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Archive for February, 2010

The 2010 Cadillac CTS lineup gains a wagon body style and a new base engine. CTS sedan and Sport Wagon come as the 3.0 model, with a new 270-hp 3.0-liter V6 engine. This replaces a 263-hp 3.6-liter V6. Both body styles also come as the 3.6, with a 304-hp 3.6-liter V6. A 6-speed manual transmission is standard on 3.0 sedans and is offered as a credit option on 3.6 sedans. A 6-speed automatic transmission is standard on all wagons and 3.6 sedans; it’s optional on the 3.0 sedan. Rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive is available. The high-performance CTS-V is a rear-drive sedan powered by a supercharged version of the Chevrolet Corvette’s 6.2-liter V8 engine. It produces 556 hp and is mated to either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission. The CTS-V comes standard with GM’s Magnetic Ride Control suspension, which automatically adjusts firmness within two driver-selectable modes.

GM also is offering its “Performance Traction Management” system on the CTS-V. This system is similar to GM’s Stabilitrak antiskid system, but it is set to aid performance in spirited driving. The V also gets an upgraded interior that includes available Recaro-brand seats with 14-way adjustment and a suede-like microfiber wrap for the shift lever and steering wheel. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags. Available features include steering-linked headlamps and keyless entry and ignition. A navigation system is standard on the CTS-V, optional otherwise.

Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Premium Midsize Cars sport interior dimensions similar to Midsize Cars. Premium Midsize Cars offer more luxury, performance, and prestige when compared to Midsize Cars.

The 2010 Hyundai Sonata is largely unchanged. Sonata seats five and comes in GLS, SE, and Limited trims. All are available with a 175-hp 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine. SE and Limited offer a 249-hp 3.3-liter V6. The GLS V6 has been discontinued. A manual transmission is standard on the GLS. A 5-speed automatic is optional on those models and standard on all other Sonatas.

Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags. SE versions have a sport suspension. Limiteds include leather upholstery with heated front seats and dual-zone automatic climate control. A navigation system with voice recognition is a Limited-exclusive option. A dealer-installed wireless cell-phone link is optional on all.

Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Midsize Cars represent the heart of the U.S. car market. Most are price-sensitive, conservatively designed, family-oriented sedans and wagons. Our Best Buys include the Chevrolet Malibu, Ford Fusion, Honda Accord, Mazda 6, Mercury Milan, and Toyota Prius. Our Recommended picks are the Kia Rondo, Subaru Legacy, Subaru Outback, and Toyota Camry.

The 2010 Chevrolet Malibu lineup is revised, with the gas/electric Hybrid model no longer available for retail sale. This is the smaller of Chevy’s two midsize sedans. It shares its basic design with the Saab 9-3. LS, LT, and LTZ trim levels are largely unchanged. LS and LT have a 169-hp 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, which is now capable of running on E85 ethanol-blended fuel. LS versions have a 4-speed automatic transmission while the LT and LTZ use a 6-speed automatic. LT and LTZ have an optional 252-hp 3.6-liter V6 that teams with the 6-speed automatic.

The 2010 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid is no longer available for retail sale, but it can be ordered for fleet deliveries. Available safety features on all Malibus include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags. A wireless cell phone link, leather upholstery, and heated front seats are available.

Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Midsize Cars represent the heart of the U.S. car market. Most are price-sensitive, conservatively designed, family-oriented sedans and wagons. Our Best Buys include the Chevrolet Malibu, Ford Fusion, Honda Accord, Mazda 6, Mercury Milan, and Toyota Prius. Our Recommended picks are the Kia Rondo, Subaru Legacy, Subaru Outback, and Toyota Camry.

The 2010 Toyota Yaris lineup gains some new safety features. This is Toyota’s smallest car. It’s offered as a 2- or 4-door hatchback or 4-door sedan in a single Base trim level. The S trim has been discontinued, but most of its equipment is available as part of an optional Sport Package. The sole powertrain is a 106-hp 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission.

Available safety features include ABS, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags. Previously unavailable, traction control and an antiskid system are newly standard. Hatchbacks are available with a split-folding rear seat that reclines and slides fore and aft. Other options include remote keyless entry and power windows, locks, and mirrors. The Sport Package includes sport seats, digital-music player connection, and specific exterior trim.

Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. The subcompact class is made up of the smallest hatchbacks, sedans, and wagons on the market. These are generally considered economy cars.

The 2010 Audi A4 lineup gains a refreshed high-performance S4-sedan model. Audi’s top-selling car line features 4-door sedans and Avant wagons. The Cabriolet convertible is redesigned and is sold as part of Audi’s A5 lineup. Both the sedan and wagon continue to offer Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive, and the sedan is also available with front-wheel drive. Sedans and Avants come as the 2.0T and feature a turbocharged 211-hp 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine.

The V6-powered 3.2 quattro has been discontinued. A continuously variable automatic transmission is standard on front-drive 2.0Ts. 2.0T quattro models are available with a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission. S4 comes only with all-wheel drive and is powered by a 333-hp 3.0-liter supercharged V6 mated to either a 6-speed manual or 7-speed automatic. S4 has 18-inch wheels and unique exterior and interior trim. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, front side airbags, rear side airbags, and curtain side airbags. Other available features include a navigation system; Audi Drive Select, which allows the driver to customize steering and suspension settings; blind-spot alert; keyless entry and engine start; a wireless cell-phone link; and a rearview camera.

Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Premium Compact Cars are similar in size but more expensive than Compact Cars. Premium Compacts have more standard equipment and an upscale image when compared to Compact Cars.

The 2010 Mazda 5 gains some new safety features. Mazda 5 shares elements of its basic design with the Mazda 3 compact car, but has a longer, taller body with seating for six, minivan-style sliding rear-side doors, and a one-piece liftgate. Sport, Touring, and Grand Touring versions are available.

All have a 153-hp 2.3-liter 4-cylinder engine. A 5-speed manual transmission is standard on Sport. A 5-speed automatic is optional on Sport and standard on Touring and Grand Touring. Seating comes in three rows of two. The 2nd- and 3rd-rows fold, and the 2nd-row seats recline and slide fore and aft to adjust for cargo or passenger space. Available safety features include ABS, front side airbags, and curtain side airbags. New for 2010 are traction control and an antiskid system. A sunroof is standard on Touring and Grand Touring. Grand Touring has leather upholstery, heated front seats, and xenon headlamps. A navigation system is optional for Grand Touring.

Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Midsize Cars represent the heart of the U.S. car market. Most are price-sensitive, conservatively designed, family-oriented sedans and wagons. Our Best Buys include the Chevrolet Malibu, Ford Fusion, Honda Accord, Mazda 6, Mercury Milan, and Toyota Prius. Our Recommended picks are the Kia Rondo, Subaru Legacy, Subaru Outback, and Toyota Camry.

The 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class is the first premium compact SUV from this German manufacturer. This 4-door wagon shares its platform with the Mercedes-Benz C-Class premium compact car. A single GLK350 trim level is available with rear-wheel drive or the company’s 4Matic all-wheel drive.

The lone engine is a 268-hp 3.5-liter V6 that is mated to a 7-speed automatic transmission. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, front side airbags, and curtain side airbags. GLKs wear standard 19-inch wheels and tires, and 20-inch versions are included as part of the optional appearance package. Available features include a navigation system that comes with a hard drive for storing digital music files, bi-xenon headlamps, and a panoramic sunroof. This evaluation is based on preview test drives.

Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Premium Compact SUVs are luxury SUVs that are compact in size. Most utilize a car-type chassis and are not designed for heavy-duty, off-road use.