While you might not know it from some of the creepy ad shots initially floating around on the 'net, in the tin, the updated RDX is an improvement. The 2010 RDX takes its midpoint change with nips and tucks inside and out.

Looking like it stopped off at the tailor's on the way to our drive event, the exterior changes involve typical revisions to headlights, taillights, fascias, and grilles, and the unloved Acura beak is now firmly in place. Despite the family grille, this is a nice example of minor changes, a tuck and crease here and there, that refine the overall look. With that nose, we may not call the new RDX beautiful, but it does look more refined and expensive than the outgoing car.

Continue reading "2010 Acura RDX: Family Nose and Front Drive"

Posted by Stephanie Brinley at 11:54 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Forte deserves its new name. The model now takes fresh exterior and grown-up interior; the ongoing maturation of the company can be seen in the transition from Spectra to Forte. Since entering the U.S. market in 1993 with bargain-basement, marginally competitive products, Kia has made great strides in closing the gap against established makers. We've said this before, and we'll probably say it again, at least until the Chinese brands start playing the in the States and Hyundai-Kia stop being the newest kids on the block.

Kia continues improving features, style, and content availability. The Forte offers crisp, modern style in a nicely sized package. Exterior cues include slim headlights and taillights, not unlike Acura TSX and nicely done. Not too big, not too small, and besting 30mpg highway, Forte competes against the likes of Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Chevrolet Cobalt, Ford Focus, Volkswagen Golf, and Honda Civic. The sedan's tailored look also makes for a nice complement next to the more fun-loving and cheery Soul. Both are inviting, happy, and willing to play, but Forte has a more adult attitude.

Continue reading "2010 Kia Forte: Kia's Growing Up"

Posted by Stephanie Brinley at 7:36 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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TUSTIN, Calif. (Sept. 9, 2009) - A just released study on the future of small cars in the United States shows American consumers are increasingly interested in smaller cars, but with reservations about size and features. The study underscores the challenge automakers face in trying to meet government mandated improvements in fuel economy while still delivering what consumers want and will buy. Many carmakers have recently introduced new, smaller cars to the market and are launching more in the future.

"Our research indicates that American car buyers are definitely willing to buy a more fuel-efficient car, but that they don't want it to be much smaller than what they are driving today," said George Peterson, president of AutoPacific, the research firm that conducted the study. "Tomorrow's successful small car won't be tiny. It will be reasonably sized, have increased fuel economy, adequate performance and a full load of customer features."

Continue reading "Small Cars, Big Market?"

Posted by Stephanie Brinley at 5:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

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Though perhaps poorly timed, Acura gave in to criticism that their smallest sedan needed a V6. Acura expects that 20% of sales will be of this faster TSX, which seems a reasonable plan. But in the midst of today's decimated car market and with no near-term relief from a nearly 10% unemployment rate, Acura expanded the TSX line with a more expensive, less efficient model. Market conditions may see the car not get the recognition it deserves.

As we noted in our December 2009 I4 TSX review, TSX has a sweetness hidden beneath a nice (once you get past the beak) but subtle and easy to overlook exterior. That evaluation stands, as opting for the V6 won't make you stand out at the TSX owners club. Visual cues are limited to larger wheels (eighteens for the V6), revised front fascia, and a V6 badge on the decklid. Acura is betting TSX owners looking to step up are a naturally conservative, subtle lot.

Continue reading "2010 Acura TSX V6: First Drive"

Posted by Stephanie Brinley at 5:25 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Data collected by AutoPacific from more than 32,000 new vehicle owners rated 2009 vehicles on 48 vehicle attributes related to satisfaction, value, comfort, styling, size, performance, reliability, fuel economy and more. The winning vehicles best met their owner's expectations.

"Winning one award is quite an achievement, and proof an automaker is able to meet its customers' needs," said George Peterson, President of AutoPacific. "But winning all four honors in a single year shows that Lexus and Honda are able to provide what their customers want in a reliable, satisfying vehicle; a single car owners are proud to recommend to their friends and family."

Continue reading "Trio Of Cars Make A Clean Sweep Of AutoPacific's 2009 Awards"

Posted by Stephanie Brinley at 2:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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More, Better
We recently drove the 2010 Chevrolet Equinox, with brief jaunts in both a front-drive I4 model and an AWD V6 model. This generation has grown leaps and bounds over the SUV it replaces, in refinement, features, but not size. The Equinox now slots in at the top of its class.

Equinox is more comfortable inside, better-looking outside, and better screwed together. The exterior develops a smart and expressive family look. Among the achievements is a quieter and more pleasing interior environment. We began to see the fruits of GM's interior work with products from the latest Tahoe to the Malibu to the orphaned Saturn Aura. But GM continues to prove an internal shift in understanding. Seems repetitive to mention the point again, but perception still lags reality. So, again: GM is building vehicles with excellent interior and exterior styling and quality. Equinox continues the evolution and reinforces corporate commitment.

Our short drive revealed improved driving dynamics, with a far more stable on-road feel. The V6 and I4-equipped models use the same basic suspension, but with specific tuning. The I4 is tuned with a ride along the more traditional truck direction, stiffer and more rugged, while the V6 models tip toward the softer, luxury-oriented end of the spectrum. Each personality is appropriate for price point and target buyers.

Continue reading "2010 Chevrolet Equinox: First Drive"

Posted by Stephanie Brinley at 4:20 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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