The Chrysler Aspen is a SUV with a large capacity towing system. It is in the same category as the Chevy Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and the Ford Expedition. With the 2009 model, the Chrysler Aspen joins the list of fuel-efficient cars. A little bit like the Dodge Durango, the Chrysler Aspen is a large sports utility vehicle with the same mechanical components as the Durango, but the new Aspen differs in its style, interior trim, and suspension tuning.
The Chrysler Aspen can tow a load of up to 8,900 pounds, owing this capability to its engineering, which is similar to that of the Dodge Durango.
The vehicle can accommodate seven to eight passengers with its standard three-row seats: front buckets, a second-row bench, and a third-row bench. The bucket seat at the second row can be adjusted to limit the seating capacity to seven.
The Chrysler Aspen has two V8 engine choices available, and a hybrid, of which only the hybrid uses all-wheel drive. The hybrid model can save fuel by up to 40% over the standard model.
Chrysler was able to produce a two-mode hybrid system with two electric motors and some fancy gears and electronics. The first mode of the hybrid is used for around-town driving and uses the battery power alone when driving up to 25 mph. The second mode is used for driving on highways, which always uses engine power. The hybrid has 385 horsepower and 380 lb/ft of torque.
The standard model has a quick throttle-response, stable gear change, and a reliable braking system. The suspension system of the Aspen is very efficient, which makes it easier to drive off road or on uneven road surfaces. The only drawback is that on smoother road surfaces it tends to feel a bit bumpy at times.
Car manufacturers have been following a necessary trend lately. Most car companies are now building cars that are much more compact and more environmentally friendly. With the world’s problems in traffic and the ongoing plight of our environment, car manufacturers have chosen wisely to build cars that are smaller and use less fuel. There is no other car that lives up to these criteria more completely than the Toyota IQ 3.
This is a small vehicle with a 1.33l Dual VVT-i engine that uses the Toyota Optimal Drive (aka: stop-start technology), which can save fuel up to three per cent. The Toyota IQ 3’s new engine can push out 98-hp with a maximum torque of 92 lb/ft, and the new Stop & Start System averages 58.9 mpg for the customer. In the multi-drive automatic model, the car usually averages a fuel economy of 55.4 mpg.
Although it is small, the Toyota IQ 3 has enough space to fit in three adults and some luggage. There is enough legroom for the passengers so that they will not feel cramped, and there is enough space for small amounts of luggage. Other desirable features of this car are the leather seats and efficient satellite navigation. Toyota came out with the Toyota IQ 3 with only one colour option, white, but they have now decided to produce cars with more than one colour choice following customer demand.
The manufacturers of the Toyota IQ 3 recently released this car’s price tag. The hybrid vehicle has a starting price of £11,495 for the manual model, while the automatic model has a price tag of £12,495.
No other car in the sub-compact category made as much impact as the Honda Fit. Despite the Honda Fit’s two flaws – a hefty price tag and no stability control option for the base trim – people still want this car.
The Honda Fit is one of the most-loved cars amongst fans of fuel-efficient motor vehicles. It ranked one out of 33 affordable sub-compact cars with regard to reliability and safety, and despite its high price, customers are still vying to purchase this car.
The Honda Fit is a sub-compact car with five doors that is stylishly sporty and great fun to drive. It only looks small from the outside, but it can be very deceiving because of its spacious interior. Although it is a hatchback, the curves of this car make it look more aerodynamic than its predecessors. Honda designed this vehicle with a ‘super-forward aero-form design’ and a two-inch-longer wheelbase, plus a wider track as well as a windshield that has been moved five inches to the front for improved visibility and for more room.
The 2009 model includes superior interior functionality, such as one-motion folding rear seats; improved steering, suspension, and body rigidity for sportier driving; Honda’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering body structure for more safety efficiency; and a Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System. This model also features a one-motion fold-down function for the rear seats, which means that the front seats do not have to be adjusted to fold the rear seats. Also, the headrests at the back do not have to be removed whilst folding them down. The Honda Fit was already popular in Japan and Europe, as was the Honda Jazz, when it first invaded the US market in 2006.
Sequels have a knack of turning sour, but this cannot be said of the new 2010 Mazda 3. The first and original Mazda 3 was a great success in terms of critical praise and sales worldwide, and this sentiment grew firmer as time passed. That being the case, many feared that the new Mazda 3 might not live up to its predecessor’s achievements. Fortunately, it lives up to the hype and much more.
Similar to its elder brother, the 2010 Mazda 3 is a delight to drive. The underlying and basic platform is mostly unaltered, but this new Mazda 3 utilises high-fibre steel plus a retuned suspension. This match-up provides the new Mazda 3 with better body control without any added handling and ride stiffness. The steering remains very responsive, and the vibration leading to the driver’s hands has been decreased as well. Consequently, the new Mazda 3 is a polished and refined version of what was already a very impressive car.
The 2.0 litre four-cylinder engine remains under the 2010 Mazda 3’s hood, thus giving the same power as its predecessor. However, the Mazda 3 is equipped with the new MZR 2.0 DISI (Direct Injection Spark Ignition) engine with the ‘i-stop’ system and the new automatic five-speed transmission, which are able to achieve a fuel economy which is around 12% lower than the current European Mazda 3. It now can compete with the Toyota Corolla or the Honda Civic in terms of fuel efficiency.
The design and styling present the biggest changes to the 2010 Mazda 3. It boasts an all-new exterior that augments aerodynamics for more gas mileage and less wind noise. Its impressive interior can easily be mistaken as part of an entry-level luxury car.
With its superb performance and handling, grand interior, and practical innovative features, the 2010 Mazda 3 will surely impress just about anyone.
Touted as the ‘Baby Benz’, due to its small size, the Mercedes C Class is a compact executive car that was released back in 1993. This car is a four-door saloon with a V6 engine and all-wheel drive. The C300 is equipped with a 228-hp engine with a 3.0 litre V-6. The C350, which is costlier, comes with a 268-hp engine with a 3.5 litre V-6. Most of these C Class cars are equipped with a seven-speed automatic transmission.
The C-class went through some changes in the 2008 model, which presented similarities to the S-class sedan. Its grille has a more traditional upright design, complete with the signature three-pointed star hood ornament. The sport models feature the three-pointed star on the grille itself, which manufacturers usually save for coupes and convertibles. The interior of the C Class has comfy and spacious front seats, but the rear seats are still small. The controls are placed logically, and they look and feel expensive, even though some of the interior plastics look a bit cheap.
When driving the C Class models, they all exude that feel of Mercedes stability and refinement; and sounds from the car are minimised so that no one would notice that the engine is running. The sport models have better handling because of the firmer chassis, but this adjustment is more about solidity and luxury than speeding through twisting roads.
Although the C Class is a sports model, the manufacturers focused more on making it a luxury car, which is why the C Class cannot compare to the performance and dynamics of the BMW 3 series, but its looks and feel still stand out.
Car Reviews July 30th 2009
What sets the SEAT Leon Sport apart from the typical family hatchback is its Iberian attitude and stunning looks. This car is a product of Spanish spark and German engineering.
Engineered by Volkswagen, the SEAT Leon Sport is always associated with the ever popular Volkswagen Golf. What separates it from the rest of the hatchbacks out there however, is its design, which combines German quality and Spanish flair. Buyers can choose between the 138bhp 2.0 TDI diesel and 123bhp 1.4-litre petrol TSI engines. These two engines are not that powerful, but they are still enough to give the car a sports tag.
The 1.4TSI engine has a maximum torque of 148lb at 1,750rpm. It produces 123bhp at 5,600rpm. With this type of engine, the SEAT Leon Sport can sprint from 0-62 mph in 9.8 seconds. Its maximum speed is 122 mph.
On the other hand, the diesel counterpart packs 138bhp at 4,000rpm, along with a torque of around 1,750 and 2,500rpm. With this engine on board, the Leon Sport can accelerate from 0-62 mph in just 9.3 seconds.
The SEAT Leon Sport’s suspension set-up offers a reasonable handling compromise. It also comes with electric power steering and a six-speed gearbox. Volkswagen’s DSG automatic gearbox is an option in the 2.0TDI’s transmission. This particular gearbox is one of the fastest and smoothest when it comes to reaction.
The Leon is bigger than most models in its class; a long journey would not be difficult with this type of vehicle. The steering wheel and the front seat are both multi-adjustable. Overall, it is a good-looking and well-equipped vehicle with a durable engine.
The SEAT Leon Sport is no doubt one of the best SEAT models ever created.
Car Reviews, SEAT July 24th 2009
The BMW 5 series made a great impact back when it was released in 1994. The car quickly gained a loyal following and was chosen as Best Executive Car in the New Car Honours back in 1996. With a style that differed greatly from its predecessors, the BMW 5 series has delighted the German manufacturer’s fans.
The series showcases a line-up of saloon and estate style cars with a diverse set of engines, a four-cylinder, straight six and V8 units, and four diesel engine models. The interior of the car features electric seats, a CD drive, and an iDrive multimedia system, available on most models. Models with a more expensive price tag feature an iPod connection and Xenon headlamps. The Touring model features an estate-body design and a spacious trunk for luggage.
This BMW 5 series offers a highly desirable selection of sports saloons with impressive engine choices that exhibit a strong performance. The 535d has a twin turbo-charged engine that can run the car from 0 to 60 mph in 6.4 seconds, but can still return 42mpg. For company cars, the 520d is a suitable choice due to its economical diesel engine; and the 530i is a suitable petrol vehicle for use as a company car.
The car features the balanced-handling present in all BMW cars, but with the added M Sport kit these vehicles will perform better and exude more sharpened driving dynamics, due to their focused suspension settings. In addition to that, the BMW 5 series’ bigger alloys, heavily bolstered seats, and neat body kit give them a firmer ride. This series also offers an active steering option that improves accuracy on turns.
All in all, the BMW 5 series has the features that any BMW fan will love, and more.
