GM Recalls Chevrolet Cobalt, Pontiac G5 For Power Steering Problem
General Motors has issued a recall for the 2005 - 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, the 2007 - 2010 Pontiac G5, the 2005 - 2006 Pontiac Pursuit (Canada), and the 2005 - 2006 Pontiac G4 (Mexico). GM cites a potential failure of the models' power steering motor as the cause for the recall. In all, 1.3 million vehicles are affected, making this GM's largest single recall in recent years.
The announcement comes after the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration opened a federal probe into the matter. The NHTSA received 1,132 complaints of power steering failures in the Cobalt, which allegedly resulted in 14 crashes and one injury.
According to Jamie Hresko, GM's vice president of quality, the problem develops over a number of years: "It tends to occur in older models out of warranty." GM has said that even in the event of a power steering failure, the cars would be safe to drive, and that warning lights would still come on. However, controlling the vehicles at speeds below 15 mph would take more effort than normal.
It's important to note that the NHTSA doesn't seem to have pressured GM to take action, and the recall appears voluntary. As Hresko said: "Recalling these vehicles is the right thing to do for our customers' peace of mind." It sounds as if GM might've learned a thing or two by watching Toyota working damage control. Still, it's good to see General Motors getting in front of a potentially damaging event.
GM says that it is working on a fix for the problem, and that owners will be notified when a solution has been determined. We've pasted GM's complete press release below.
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GM Recalls Compact Cars to Fix Power Steering Assist
Safety Recall Covers 1.3 Million Chevrolet and Pontiac Models
·2005 - 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt
·2007 - 2010 Pontiac G5
·2005 - 2006 Pontiac Pursuit (Canada)
·2005 - 2006 Pontiac G4 (Mexico)
DETROIT -- General Motors will conduct a safety recall of 1.3 million compact cars to replace a motor in the power steering system. Vehicles affected are the 2005-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt; 2007-2010 Pontiac G5; 2005-2006 Pontiac Pursuit sold in Canada, and the 2005-2006 Pontiac G4 sold in Mexico.
GM told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration about the voluntary recall on Monday after concluding an investigation that began in 2009. NHTSA opened an investigation Jan. 27 into approximately 905,000 Cobalt models in the United States after receiving more than 1,100 complaints of loss of power steering assist, 14 crashes and one injury.
"After our in-depth investigation, we found that this is a condition that takes time to develop. It tends to occur in older models out of warranty," said Jamie Hresko, GM Vice President of Quality. "Recalling these vehicles is the right thing to do for our customers' peace of mind.
"While greater steering effort under 15 mph may be required, if the customer experiences loss of power steering assist, it is important to note that the vehicle can still be safely controlled because the customer can still steer the vehicle," Hresko said. "When the condition occurs, both a chime will sound and a 'Power Steering' message will be displayed."
Plans for the remedy are being developed. Customers will be notified when the plan is finalized.
This story originally appeared at The Car Connection
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Honda And Subaru Lead Consumer Reports’ Honor Roll For 2010
Subaru (TSE: 7270) and Honda (NYSE: HMC) are tied for the number one spot from Consumer Reports this year, based on the average of its vehicles' overall road-test scores and predicted reliability ratings.
Subaru's overall score was aided by the excellent evaluations given to the new 2010 Subaru Legacy and 2010 Subaru Outback, even though the non-profit testing organization no longer recommends the 2010 Subaru Impreza WRX. Honda and Acura models are altogether the most reliable vehicles, CR says, but its most recent models, including the new Honda Insight, were disappointing in the areas of emergency handling and backseat space.
Hyundai and Kia were most improved, thanks to the new Genesis sedan, plus the Elantra sedan and Santa Fe crossover. The Kia Optima sedan was another high-scoring model, while CR said that the Sedona minivan is the only Kia model that's shown below-average reliability.
Consumer Reports notes that Ford (NYSE: F) vehicles now rival some Honda and Ford models for reliability, and the organization now recommends 75 percent of the new Ford models it's tested, up from 70 percent last year—punctuated by CR's high ratings for the 2010 Ford Fusion and 2010 Ford Flex. GM's overall reliability still lags, but the organization notes that a number of the automaker's newer models—like the Cadillac CTS, Buick LaCrosse, Chevrolet Equinox, and GMC Acadia—score well.
Chrysler has hit rock bottom, according to CR, with even lower scores than last year and the organization saying, "Most models from the manufacturer have noisy, inefficient, unrefined powertrains; subpar interiors; and poor visibility." However Chrysler did have one Recommended vehicle this year: the new 2010 Dodge Ram—now known only by Ram—pickup.
CR has also suspended its recommendations for eight Toyota models currently affected by recall dealing with sticky accelerator pedals, though Toyota vehicles do continue to do well.
Consumer Reports points out that if performance, comfort, and safety were all that mattered, Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen would have the top grades. However the Mercedes-Benz GLK320, Volkswagen Golf/Rabbit, and Volkswagen CC buck the trend and have earned excellent reliability ratings.
The results are part of Consumer Reports' Annual Auto Issue, which arrives in print March 2 or is now available on ConsumerReports.org.
This story originally appeared at The Car Connection
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2010 Nissan Titan Bottom Line
To see how the 2010 Nissan Titan measures up against the competition, the editors of TheCarConnection.com have driven the Titan on- and off-road and present their overall assessment. Then TheCarConnection.com has also read other reviews, handpicking highlights that might help you make a smart buying decision.
Likes
Power and acceleration
Cargo-friendly features
Comfortable cabin and ride quality
Dislikes
Road and engine noise
Fuel economy
Lacks a lower-priced V-6 model
Thanks to styling that resists the almost identical cues used by other major truckmakers—along with a strong V-8 engine—the Titan stands out from the crowd. Yet those same attributes give the Titan limited appeal; while other full-size pickups try to be everything to everyone, with special focused models for all sorts of work and play, the 2010 Nissan Titan offers just one engine and a limited lineup that's aimed more at casual, recreational users than the hard-hat crowd, though there are some innovative features.
When the Nissan Titan was first introduced in 2004, it forged a new design direction and escalated a race toward "macho" styling we've seen in pickups over the past decade. The Titan broke through with an aggressive, upright appearance that included flared fenders combined with bright chrome details and clean side styling to give it a look that doesn't seem all that out of place in the city. It still looks fresh from the outside, but the same can't be said inside, where the instrument panel in particular looks dull and plasticky compared to newer designs.
All 2010 Nissan Titan models come with a powerful 5.6-liter DOHC V-8, rated at 317 horsepower and 385 lb-ft of torque and mated only to a five-speed automatic transmission. The engine provides strong acceleration and works very well with the standard five-speed automatic transmission. But fuel economy is poor; the combination gets ratings as low as 12 mpg city, and TheCarConnection.com has seen even worse numbers in real-world driving. The upside is that Titan models can tow up to 9,500 pounds with the King Cab and 9,400 pounds with the Crew Cab. Another strength is that on the road, the Titan somehow feels smaller than it is; it maneuvers reasonably well at low speed. Nearly all models are offered with rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive, except PRO-4X off-road variants.
The cabin of the 2010 Titan is roomy and comfortable, with good seating for four full-size adults in Crew Cab versions. Shorter drivers will appreciate the power-adjustable pedals. But interior materials leave a lot to be desired; the drab look and feel of the interior plastics is tough to get over—particularly if you've tested other trucks in this class—but overall the interior is very functional, with lots of storage spaces for smaller items. Although the engine note is a bit too loud for some tastes, the Titan rides comfortably for a truck, with very little road or wind noise.
Although some might not get past the single-powertrain lineup, the Titan lineup includes four models (XE, SE, PRO-4X, and LE) and two body styles (King Cab and Crew Cab), as well as four bed sizes (5'5", 6'5", 7', and 8') and two wheelbases that go with these lengths, so you have plenty of combinations to choose from. Ford, Chevy, and Dodge still offer much larger ranges, including heavy-duty versions and more fuel-efficient models.
A full range of airbags is available on the 2010 Titan, along with anti-lock brakes and electronic stability control. The Titan gets "good" crash-test ratings in frontal tests from the IIHS, but achieves only a "marginal" rating in side impact and an "acceptable" rating in rear impact; additionally, it gets four- and five-star frontal ratings from the federal government.
Especially of interest is the off-road-focused PRO-4X, which includes heavy-duty components, tow hooks, Rancho shocks, off-road wheels and tires, a lockable storage box and locking tailgate, and a full-size spare. Options include a Bluetooth Hands-Free Phone System; an XM Satellite Radio tuner; a heated, leather-appointed bench seat; a revised center stack; and a larger, 8.0-inch DVD screen (up from 7.0 inches). An available Max Utility Package combines towing and bed-utility features, and for 2010, there's a new SE Value Truck Package that adds Bluetooth, captain's chairs, a power driver's seat, and fog lamps.
The Bottom Line: The 2010 Nissan Titan performs well and has a comfortable interior, but its appeal is more limited than the full-line full-size trucks from the Big Three and Toyota.
Other Choices:
If you're interested in the 2010 Nissan Titan, also consider:
- Ford F-150
- Chevrolet Silverado 1500
- Dodge Ram 1500
- Toyota Tundra
Reason Why:
Overall, the 2010 Nissan Titan offers fewer powertrain and equipment combinations than other leading full-size pickups. Although with a V-8 and some cargo-friendly features like the lockable cargo box, the Titan is appealing for personal use, but it's not a favorite of fleets and hard-hat wearers. If you like what the Nissan has, then this doesn't matter. The 2010 Ford F-150 and Chevy Silverado are the two with the largest number of variations for every sort of use. The Ford has an excellent interior, especially for those who work out of their trucks, while the Chevy has excellent ride and handling attributes, plus good fuel economy. And just redesigned this past year, the Dodge Ram has much-improved ride and handling. Yet another option is the Toyota Tundra, which has perhaps the toughest, most imposing styling in the group, plus a very stylish cabin.
Buying Tip
If the fuel economy figures are tough to get past, you might consider the smaller Nissan Frontier, which does just fine with a V-6.
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2010 Chrysler 300 Bottom Line
The experts at TheCarConnection.com have driven several different models of the 2010 Chrysler 300—including the HEMI-powered 300C—to give you highlights and an overall impression here in this Bottom Line. TheCarConnection.com has also researched reviews relevant to the Chrysler 300 to bring you the most useful comments in an adjacent full review.
Likes
Styling is still incomparably cool and elegant
Well-constructed, classy interior
Powerful V-8 engines
Wide range of tech options
Dislikes
Ride can be choppy, stiff
V-8s guzzle gas
Tight rear legroom
While it may have seemed like a revelation back in 2004 when it was first introduced, the Chrysler 300 is the type of vehicle that was once very common in the U.S. market: a full-size, rear-wheel-drive sedan powered by V-6 or V-8 engines. Considering that most manufacturers are scaling back production of larger vehicles, such as Ford's phasing out of the ancient Crown Victoria and its sibling vehicles, the Chrysler 300 and closely related Dodge Charger remain as some of the few options available for shoppers wanting this type of vehicle.
With its debut for the 2005 model year, the Chrysler 300 forged a new direction, and since then, its rather boxy but low look has aged well. It's still a head-turner—something that can't be said of most other big sedan competitors. New for 2010 are some minor styling upgrades, including chromed door handles and front and rear fascia accents for the 300 Touring model.
A number of different trim levels are available for the 300, and they each bring a different driving experience. The base 2010 Chrysler 300 models come standard with a 2.7-liter V-6 that pumps out 178 horsepower. These versions are equipped with a standard four-speed automatic transmission. Opting for the Chrysler 300 Touring brings a 3.5-liter V-6 that delivers 250 hp through a five-speed transmission, with both rear- and all-wheel drive available. The higher-spec Chrysler 300C comes with a standard HEMI V-8 that now makes 360 hp, 19 hp more than the 2008 model, while the top-of-the-line SRT8 trim offers an impressive 425-hp 6.1-liter HEMI V-8, along with sports suspension, 20-inch rims, and a number of other upgrades. There are also all-wheel-drive versions of the 300 and 300C. Last year saw the introduction of a new active-transfer case that disconnects the front axle for better fuel economy and performance, and this feature returns for 2010. Base, Touring, and Limited 300 editions offer a softer ride, thanks to the more commuter-friendly suspension, so again, the driving experience varies quite a bit. The 300C and the 300 SRT8 target the performance enthusiasts with high-horsepower HEMI engines and stiffer suspensions—stepping up to the 300 SRT8 nets drivers muscle-car performance in the form of sub-14-second quarter-mile times and a top speed of over 150 mph.
The 300 received an interior update for the 2008 model year—substantial enough to include new materials and surfaces, feeling like a significant upgrade. You'll note upscale touches everywhere, from the chrome accents to the soft-opening glove box and, in limited availability, Poplar Burl real-wood trim. There's not nearly as much backseat legroom as you might expect from such a large sedan, though seating itself is comfortable and the trunk is vast.
Meanwhile, the 2010 Chrysler 300 makes improvements to its safety credentials with some new standard safety equipment. Last year we complained that side-curtain airbags were only available as an option, even in the expensive SRT8 models, and it seems Chrysler has decided to offer side airbags as standard this year on all models. Still, there are areas for improvement—for example, the base 300 models lack standard anti-lock brakes; they're only available as a $1,025 option package that includes electronic stability control. This is unacceptable, considering that these features have even begun appearing as standard in econo-boxes. The other niggle we have with safety is that the high beltline doesn't afford very good visibility outside, especially for shorter drivers.
Safety aside, infotainment and technology options are plentiful in the 2010 Chrysler 300. New for 2010 are keyless entry and a rear-parking assistance system, both of which are standard on the 300C. Other features include a Bluetooth connection, iPod connectivity, a six-disc changer, a MyGIG audio entertainment system, a Boston Acoustics speaker package, Sirius Backseat TV, remote start, and adaptive cruise control.
The Bottom Line: The 2010 Chrysler 300 and 300C sure aren't the freshest faces among large sedans, nor the safest or best appointed, but they're cool and classy, and they still feel uniquely and positively American.
Other Choices
If you're interested in the 2010 Chrysler 300, also consider:
- Audi A6
- BMW 5-Series
- Buick Lucerne
- Cadillac CTS
- Ford Taurus
Reason Why:
It might seem strange to see a Chrysler product on the same shortlist as some very established European luxury marques, but keep in mind that the 300 was developed when Chrysler was owned by Mercedes-Benz, making the 300C's competitiveness less of a surprise. The 2010 Chrysler 300 doesn't fit neatly into a particular segment and thus takes on a wide range of sedans. The base, Limited, and Touring models of the 300 can be compared to domestic competitors, including the Ford Taurus and the Buick Lucerne. Compared to the Chrysler, the Lucerne is a bit of a wallflower, while there's a certain presence on the outside and a classy feel inside that still distinguishes the 300. The new Taurus from Ford provides a more realistic alternative to the 300, although it's not as visually dramatic—even considering its lower-profile redesign for 2010. With its HEMI V-8, tighter suspension, and premium interior, the 300C is a legitimate alternative to Cadillac's CTS and STS. If you throw the Ford Taurus SHO into the mix, then there is even more for the Chrysler to be worried about. The Taurus SHO performance model has enough authority to take on HEMI V-8 versions of the Chrysler 300C, and the SHO has all-wheel drive. The Chrysler's driving dynamics and quality are also comparable to those of the BMW 5-Series and Audi A6, although the 300 feels heftier in tight corners.
Buying Tip
The V-8 is tremendous fun, but with the emphasis on fuel economy these days, you might be able to get a good deal on 300C models. Also, Chrysler has revoked its lifetime powertrain warranties found on 2009 models, instead imposing a five-year/60,000-mile warranty on the 2010 Chrysler 300. With few differences between the two models, it might be wise checking out the 2009 model.
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2010 Chrysler Town & Country
TheCarConnection.com researched the latest reviews of the 2010 Chrysler Town & Country to bring you the best aggregate review, focusing especially on how well it fits in as an everyday family hauler. The experts at TheCarConnection.com have also driven the Chrysler Town & Country and present their own opinions and observations here in this Bottom Line summary.
Likes
Stow 'n Go seating arrangement
Quiet ride
Innovative features, such as satellite TV and DVD systems
Performance from 4.0-liter V-6
Dislikes
Some switchgear feels flimsy
Interior has a little too much plastic
Smallish nav screen
The efficient, space-saving one-box minivan design of the Town & Country remains as practical as ever for 2010, especially thanks to the innovative features found inside. For a long time, Chrysler has focused on improving its family-friendly offering in the hopes of drawing buyers away from new entries by the likes of Honda, Toyota, Hyundai, and Kia, and with just minor changes to the product this year, it seems they are confident in the Town & Country.
This latest generation of Town & Country that first debuted two years ago represents a significant departure from the rounded, Clorox-bottle shape of the previous-generation Chrysler minivan. The new Town & Country is characterized by a more squared-off look, especially when viewed from the rear. Despite the changes, the Chrysler Town & Country is still one of the more inoffensive cars on the road and is unlikely to turn many consumers off simply because of its styling--although it probably won't impress anyone from the outside.
The 2010 Chrysler Town & Country isn't especially fun to drive--or even memorable--in any of its configurations, but we recommend skipping the base 3.3-liter V-6 and four-speed automatic and opting for one of the larger V-6 engines. Both the 3.8-liter and 4.0-liter V-6s provide more power and are matched to Chrysler's decent six-speed automatic, a fuel-saving and performance-enhancing feature. For 2010, Chrysler improves fuel economy in the range-topping 4.0-liter V-6 engine--in fact, this engine's fuel economy of 17 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway is slightly better than the smaller V-6 engines available in other vans.
Seating and interior design are among the 2010 Town & Country's strengths versus other models. Front seats are extremely comfortable, and Stow 'n Go seating in back allows the third row to fold flat into the floor. Available Swivel 'n Go brings captain's chairs for the second row that can be rotated 180 degrees and slide fore and aft to face the third row. The arrangement even includes a fold-out center table. Interior materials are a step behind much of the competition, though, and the most affordable trims of the Town & Country feel especially plasticky.
In terms of safety, the 2010 Chrysler Town & Country does well, and this year's addition of active head restraints on all models for the driver and passenger should only see things improve. Safety features carried over from last year include both Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Path systems, which help ease the stress of navigating crowded parking lots and cluttered driveways. SmartBeam headlamps have also been supplied for the 2010 Chrysler Town & Country, and they automatically switch from high to low beam when the system detects an oncoming vehicle. Crash testing shows that these features are helpful, with five-star results from the federal government and "good" ratings from the IIHS in both frontal and side impacts. It's not all top marks, though, as the IIHS gives the Town & Country a "marginal" rating in its seat-based rear-impact test--despite the fact that all rows feature side-curtain airbags.
While fuel economy is a big factor in auto purchases these days, buyers of the Town & Country will be more interested in what's on the inside--and the Chrysler doesn't disappoint in terms of features. The quiet cabin is packed with tech tidbits, including available Sirius Satellite TV, twin LCD monitors in the second and third rows, and Swivel 'n Go seating. The entertainment system includes big nine-inch screens for the entertainment system, as well as an iPod interface.
The Bottom Line: With innovative features, families that need spaciousness and practicality should look at the 2010 Chrysler Town & Country--with plenty of entertainment and storage features, the only real downside is the isolated drive and some cheap-looking plastics on the inside.
Other Choices
If you're interested in the 2010 Chrysler Town & Country, also consider:
- Dodge Grand Caravan
- Honda Odyssey
- Toyota Sienna
- Volkswagen Routan
Reason Why
The Dodge Grand Caravan is a great alternative to the Town & Country; essentially, it's the same vehicle at a slightly lower price. Honda's excellent Odyssey is more enjoyable dynamically for the driver (not to mention its achievement as perhaps the only minivan with sex appeal), while the Toyota Sienna provides a plusher ride than the Chrysler. However, neither of these options can match the Chrysler's list of features or its sticker (which heads toward the Kia or Hyundai). Volkswagen--the company that invented the minivan with its 1950 Transporter Microbus--is once again using the Chrysler minivan as the foundation for its 2010 Routan. Like the Dodge Grand Caravan, the Routan uses the same platform and engines as the Chrysler model and is even built alongside the Town & Country at Chrysler's plant.
Buying Tip:
If you're looking for an ideal vehicle for kids, look no further; the more open layout of the 2010 Chrysler Town & Country--along with that of other minivans--is tough for any crossover design to beat.
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Coming Soon: Ford’s Custom Graphics For Cars & Trucks
Aftermarket customization is nothing new: for decades, proud car owners have made use of special accessories and paint jobs to distinguish their rides. But thanks to technological developments, it's now become easy to mass produce wraps for vehicles -- and to do so with remarkable consistency. Seeing increasing demand for such skins, Ford recently partnered with Original Wraps to launch its own snazzy line of decals for Ford cars and trucks next year. In addition to vehicle-specific skins for the Mustang, Flex, Focus, Taurus, F150, and other models, there are also cause-oriented wraps for breast cancer awareness and eco-conciousness. Click around FordCustomGraphics.com to see what's on tap for your ride in 2010.
[Autoblog]
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Toyota Not Planning On Many Takers For 4-Cylinder 4Runner
Toyota is bringing an economical new four-cylinder engine back to the base SR5 version of its fully redesigned 2010 4Runner. But as we recently discovered, this doesn't significantly improve fuel economy for this body-on-frame ute. Instead though, it appears to enable Toyota to offer a value-leader model at an even more affordable price.
The 2010 Toyota 4Runner starts at $27,500 for the four-cylinder, rear-wheel-drive SR5. That's an $1,140 price cut versus the base RWD 2009 Toyota 4Runner SR5 V-6. This year's base V-6 4Runner runs $29,175, however.
Once upon a time, most of Toyota's 4Runners in the U.S. were sold with economical four-cylinder engines. That was the '80s, but Toyota did offer a four-cylinder version all the way through the beginning of this decade, and just a few years later, for 2003, Toyota began offering a V-8 on the 4Runner.
This year, the V-8 is no more. The new four--the same 2.7-liter engine that's also installed in the Tacoma-- makes 157 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque and is only offered with two-wheel drive, in 4Runner SR5 trim. An official suggested that other models weren't offered because of concerns that the model would be underpowered with 4WD or as a Trail model.
One look at the official EPA fuel economy ratings give you another perspective--and a lesson that smaller engines don't always bring better fuel economy. The four-cylinder engine isn't likely to save you much, if any, money over the long run in the 4Runner, because even in four-cylinder form the engine hauls around nearly 4,300 pounds of curb weight.
The four-cylinder 2010 4Runner is rated at 18 mpg city, 23 highway, while the V-6 4Runner, with rear-wheel drive, does almost as well, at 17/23 (17/22 with 4WD). Towing capacity is 2,000 pounds for the four-cylinder model, versus 5,000 pounds for all the other 2010 4Runners.
Last year's 4Runner V-6 rated as low as 16/20 with 4WD--the improvements mainly attributed to revised gear ratios--and with the now-discontinued V-8 engine the 4Runner achieved just 14 mpg city, 17 highway.
A base Toyota Highlander--about the same size, and with the same size four-cylinder engine (though technically not the same unit)--weighs about 3,800 pounds and gets 20 mpg city, 27 highway.
In all, Toyota expects four-cylinder models to only make up about five percent of 2010 4Runner sales, nationwide, with total sales of 25,000 to 30,000. At one time, Toyota sold more than 100,000 4Runners per year.
Surprisingly, Toyota will only make the four-cylinder 4Runner available only in select markets. In California, where there's still a market for rear-wheel-drive sport-utility vehicles, Toyota plans to sell the vast majority of them; it will likely be offered more widely in Southern states but only special-order in Northern climes.
One thing's for sure: By getting into the four-cylinder market, Toyota has an engine option that's not offered in any of its rivals like the 2010 Nissan Pathfinder, 2010 Kia Borrego, or 2010 Ford Explorer.
Although V-6 versions of the 2010 Toyota 4Runner are already at dealerships, the four-cylinder model will be arriving this month or next. Stay tuned tomorrow as TheCarConnection.com brings you driving impressions of the brand-new 4Runner, and we'll update you on how the four-cylinder version stacks up as soon as we can get some seat time.
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| Permalink:Toyota Not Planning On Many Takers For 4-Cylinder 4Runner | |
2010 Suzuki Swift? No…But The Feds Say So!
The next-generation version of the Suzuki Swift, due out next year, isn't quite a sure thing for the U.S. market; but we've been told it's been engineered this time with federal regulations in mind. If the 2011 Suzuki Swift does come to these shores, it would take on the growing segment of sporty subcompacts, including the 2011 Ford Fiesta, 2011 Mazda2, and 2011 Volkswagen Polo.
But might it be coming early? Heard of a 2010 Suzuki Swift x? We haven't, and we'll bet most U.S. Suzuki dealerships haven't either.
It's easy to get confused. If you value fuel economy and are browsing through the EPA's fuel economy ratings, whether on FuelEconomy.gov or in the 2010 Fuel Economy Guide, you might notice that the Swift x is one of the more fuel-efficient vehicles this year.
While a spokesman for Suzuki said that the Swift definitely isn't due for 2010, it's in there, with EPA ratings of 27 mpg city, 35 highway with a manual transmission. The feds are listing the Swift x as having a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine and front-wheel drive, with five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmissions.
Spoiler alert: Turns out all those figures--including those for passenger and cargo volume--do apply to the Daewoo-built Suzuki 'Swift +' that's sold in Canada and closely related to the Chevrolet Aveo....NOT the supposedly U.S.-bound, next-generation Swift.
In the EPA's Green Vehicle Guide, the Swift x hatchback is listed as the "2010 Suzuki Swift +" and carrying the EPA SmartWay designation and certified for federal Bin 4 emissions standards, again with the same levels of specific pollutants as the 2010 Chevrolet Aveo.
Yet it's more than a little odd why a Canada-market vehicle would show up on the U.S. listings. We haven't seen it before, so it's likely someone submitted the paperwork with the feds. In previous years there was no Volkswagen City Jetta on the list, nor the Pontiac Montana, a vehicle that continued for several more model years (through 2009) in the Great White North.
Suzuki sold a previous version of the Swift in the U.S. through 2001, and many years before that, Chevrolet (and then Geo) sold versions of the Swift--badged the Sprint--that have been coveted in recent years by frugal high-milers. Meanwhile, the current generation of the Swift has received a strong reception in Europe and is lauded for its design as well as for the way it drives.
It seems unlikely that Suzuki would have brought the dowdier Swift + to the U.S. anyway, seeing that the brand has just launched the excellent 2010 Kizashi, and U.S. company officials admit that its previous Daewoo-built vehicles weren't up to the same standards as those built in-house. The 2010 Chevrolet Aveo can't quite measure up to most other models in its class, according either to TheCarConnection.com or most other major review sources.
No formal announcement has yet been made for the U.S. But for now, we'll hold on and take this as an affirmation that the Suzuki has smartly decided to green-light the car that will boost, not potentially bruise, their image.
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Video: Audi’s Entries For The ‘YouthMobile 2030′ Competition
A couple of weeks ago, we mentioned the "YouthMobile 2030" design challenge associated with the 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show. At the time, we highlighted GM's "Car Hero" entry, but Audi's designs deserve mention, too. The company has submitted two vehicles, the eOra and the eSpira, both of which were created with tomorrow's social media-savvy drivers in mind. In fact, they were designed via social media itself: Audi solicited suggestions for the models from its 400,000 Facebook fans. Check the video below to see if design-by-committee is all it's cracked up to be.
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2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution – Lancer Ralliart
TheCarConnection.com looked to a wide range of reviews that cover the 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution and Lancer Ralliart models to pull together this comprehensive review, including how this model matches up against other small performance cars. TheCarConnection.com's editors have also driven the Lancer Evolution and Ralliart--including the Sportback body style--and produced the Bottom Line assessment featured here.
Likes
Racy styling cues
Sharp, communicative steering
Strong performance for the money (Ralliart)
Excellent, supportive front seats
Dislikes
Lots of road noise
Very quick-ratio steering isn't a joy when cruising
Econobox interior, with cheap plastics
Dual-clutch gearbox is hesitant in relaxed driving
Are Mitsubishi's turbocharged Lancer models tuner cars focused on going fast on a tight budget or sophisticated, world-class performance cars? The answer is both. The 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart is an affordable sedan fitted with impressive performance upgrades, while the 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution is a sophisticated, no-holds-barred flagship that offers track-honed features and the capability to outperform some sports cars costing several times as much.
In appearance, the Evolution and Ralliart look more like well-done tuner cars than sophisticated performance machines. Squint just a little bit and it's easy to see that the 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution is based on the Mitsubishi Lancer, a basic compact sedan. The 2010 Ralliart shares much with the sportiest version of the Lancer, the GTS, but it gets the Evolution's lightweight aluminum hood with integral ductwork to keep the turbo cool, along with an aggressively styled front bumper and dual exhaust. Inside, both the Evo and Ralliart have an interior that looks quite basic, with accents and trims being the main difference from the mainstream Lancer.
While the 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution might look like an economy car on steroids through and through--and leave older, more sophisticated buyers reeling--there's a lot to love in the driving experience. The Evolution has a 291-horsepower, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, while the Ralliart picks up a lower-boost, 237-hp version of the same engine. Between the two, we actually like the Ralliart's engine a bit better; it's tuned for stronger low- and mid-rev response. The Evo's engine tends to have a longer turbo lag and delivers its power in a sudden mad rush. In either case, shifts are made either through a five-speed manual, which is good but a bit notchy, or a six-speed automated manual transmission, termed Twin Clutch-SST. The automated gearbox includes Normal and Sport driving modes and though it's a little hesitant in gentle driving, it pulls off snappy shifts like a track pro when you tap into all the power.
Both the Ralliart and Evo come with a sophisticated set of mechanical and electronic systems designed to transmit power smoothly to the pavement, even when the driver isn't using finesse or the conditions aren't ideal. Highlights include Super All-Wheel Control, an Active Center Differential, a helical gear front differential, and Active Yaw Control. Altogether these systems give the 2010 Lancer Evolution and Ralliart tremendous agility, tractability, and poise to rival much more expensive machines from Germany.
Ultimately, ride and handling is where the more discerning drivers will find the difference between the Evolution and Ralliart. The Evo has very little in common with its lesser brethren; it has an exclusive, enhanced body structure, with many of the steel body panels replaced with lightweight aluminum. The Ralliart is a compromise of sorts, offering some but not all of the powertrain components from the Evo, in a body structure that's essentially the same as that of the sporty Lancer GTS. The chassis underpinning the Ralliart doesn't feel quite as precise and unyielding as that of the Evolution, but that's fine for everyday driving--especially if you find yourself on bumpy roads. The steering is sharp and has a very quick ratio, along with good feedback, and stout brakes deliver all the braking force the tires can handle. The suspension can be harsh, though, rebounding abruptly and temporarily flustering the Ralliart's otherwise good composure on bumpy corners, especially when getting back on the power. The Evolution MR brings an especially high-performance package that ranks above the base GSR and adds track-ready Bilstein shocks and Eibach springs.
Both the Ralliart and the Evolution get a dressed-up interior versus the Lancer, with a few added trims and surfaces, but it's downright disappointing. With a proliferation of hollow, hard plastics--and some of the same pieces and panels from the $15,000 Lancer--it's a letdown in a $28,000 Ralliart, let alone in a $44,000 loaded Evolution. Seats are the exception in the Evolution; the heavily bolstered, grippy Recaros are superb, and we recommend the option package that includes these seats in the Ralliart. Functionally, the Evolution and Ralliart are reasonably comfortable, versatile daily drivers, thanks to decent backseat space, a big trunk, and 60/40-split backseats that fold forward in any of the models. The Sportback is especially useful as the hatch allows just a little extra cargo flexibility. However, on any of these models, road noise is an issue.
The 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart shares its body structure with the standard Lancer sedan, a vehicle that has performed very well in crash tests; because the Evo has such a different structure, it might prove different. The Lancer got top "good" ratings from the IIHS in frontal offset, side, and rear tests, and a mix of four- and five-star results in federal testing. The feds haven't tested any Lancer, Ralliart, or Evo for side impact. Electronic stability control, anti-lock brakes, head-curtain side airbags, front-seat mounted side bags, and a driver knee airbag are all on the standard-features list for the Ralliart and Evolution.
The Ralliart comes very well equipped, with fog lamps, a hands-free entry system, a trip computer, automatic climate control, Bluetooth, leather trim, and aluminum pedals. To get the Recaro seat upgrade on the Ralliart requires a $2,750 option package that also includes HID headlamps and a bassy Rockford Fosgate premium sound system. The Lancer Evolution GSR gets a host of performance hardware but otherwise parallels the Ralliart for equipment--except for offering a five-speed manual gearbox. The Evolution MR upgrades to the twin-clutch gearbox, a slightly more compliant suspension, improved wheels, and HID headlamps, plus other extras like the FAST hands-free entry system. New for 2010 is the MR Touring, which also gets new heated leather sport seats, a power sunroof, and other appearance upgrades. Remote engine start and a nav system with music storage are among the options on all Ralliart and Evo models.
Bottom Line: The 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution and Ralliart have well-honed performance capabilities but lack all the refinement to make them day-to-day enjoyable. Other Choices
Other Choices
If you like the 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution or 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart, also consider:
- Mazda Mazdaspeed3
- Subaru WRX / STI
- Volkswagen GTI
Reason Why:
The Lancer Evolution's only direct rival remains the 2010 Subaru WRX STI. Relative to the Evo, the STI has a much smoother and quieter ride, along with a roomier, more comfortable interior, but the more refined feel might spoil the edgy, go-fast sensation that some are seeking in a vehicle such as these. That said, the STI is actually more powerful; however, the Twin Clutch gearbox in the Evo makes it more fun as a track toy, thanks to its quick shifts, done so well as to not interrupt the tires' grip. The Subaru is also tops in its class for safety, with top federal scores as well as IIHS accolades. Otherwise, if you're considering the Ralliart, the offerings are a bit limited this year. The new Volkswagen GTI is more sophisticated than ever, with an excellent, almost luxurious interior, but it continues to feel a little too refined at times for this rowdy crowd. There's also the new MazdaSpeed3, which feels more like a tuner special, with sharp reflexes and a powerful turbo engine, yet it manages impressive interior comfort and refinement.
Buying Tip
If you're looking for a track toy, there's no need to pin yourself down by only considering new cars. For the price of an Evo, you could get a very slightly used Porsche Cayman, or a slightly more used BMW M3, Porsche 911, or Audi RS4.
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