Latest Cars And Bikes Reviews

Archive for April, 2010

The 2010 Volvo C30 no longer requires customers to purchase a “Custom Build Program” in order to equip this premium compact car with popular optional features. This 2-door hatchback is this Swedish automaker’s smallest car, and it shares elements of its basic design with the company’s S40 sedan and V50 wagon.

C30 is 8.5 inches shorter and about 300 pounds lighter than the S40. The 2010 C30 reprises T5 and T5 R-Design trim levels. Both use a 227-horsepower turbocharged 2.5-liter 5-cylinder engine and a 6-speed manual transmission or optional 5-speed automatic.

Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, front-side airbags, and curtain-side airbags. All C30s have four bucket-style seats. The T5 R-Design has a sport suspension and 18-inch wheels. Options include power front seats, keyless entry/engine start, bi-xenon headlights, blind-spot alert, a navigation system, and leather upholstery.

The 2011 Volvo C30 gets freshened exterior and interior styling. This 2-door hatchback is this Swedish automaker’s smallest car, and it shares elements of its basic design with the company’s S40 sedan and V50 wagon. C30 is 8.5 inches shorter and about 300 pounds lighter than the S40. The 2011 C30 reprises T5 and T5 R-Design trim levels.

Both use a 227-horsepower turbocharged 2.5-liter 5-cylinder engine and a 6-speed manual transmission or optional 5-speed automatic. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, front side airbags, and curtain side airbags. The 2011 models have exterior styling inspired by Volvo’s XC60 compact SUV as well as a redesigned instrument panel. All C30s have four bucket-style seats.

The T5 R-Design has a sport suspension and 18-inch wheels. Options include power front seats, leather upholstery, heated front seats, bi-xenon headlights, blind-spot alert, and a navigation system. Keyless entry/engine start is optional on the R-Design. This report is based on evaluations of the 2010 Volvo C30.

The 2009 Volkswagen Touareg 2 makes news by offering a new diesel engine as well as a new high-end trim package. This five-passenger 4-door wagon comes with all-wheel drive. The 3.6-liter V6 model has 280 hp, the 4.2-liter V8 model has 350. New for 2009 is the TDI, which has a 221-hp 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel. This will replace the previously available V10 turbodiesel. All Touareg 2s have a 6-speed automatic transmission.

Their AWD system is designed for off-roading and includes low-range gearing and a locking center differential; a locking rear differential is optional. Maximum towing capacity is 7716 lb. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, an antiskid system, front side airbags, and curtain side airbags. Standard features include a power liftgate, power driver seat, and front- and rear-obstacle detection.

Leather upholstery is optional on the V6 and TDI and standard on V8. Options include keyless entry and starting, navigation system and rearview camera. 19-inch wheels are standard on V8 models. New for mid-2009 is the Lux Limited, which includes specific interior trim, 20-inch wheels, two-tone leather upholstery, and 12-way power front seats. Lux Limited is available with V6 and V8 engines. Touareg 2 was developed with Porsche, which offers its own version as the Cayenne. Touareg 2 also lends its basic design to the Audi Q7 premium large SUV.

The 2010 Volkswagen Touareg 2 lineup undergoes a few changes. This 5-passenger wagon has standard all-wheel drive with low-range gearing for off-road use. It comes in two models, the VR6 and diesel-powered TDI. The available V8 engine has been discontinued. The VR6 has a 280-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 engine. The TDI has a 225-horsepower 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6.

All use a 6-speed automatic transmission. Maximum towing capacity is 7,716 pounds. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain-side airbags, and front-side airbags. Standard on all models are front- and rear-obstacle detection, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, and a 12-way power driver seat. An optional Luxury Package for both models includes leather upholstery, a 12-way power passenger seat, a heated steering wheel, wood interior trim, and 19-inch wheels.

A Lux Limited Package includes additional specific trim and 20-inch wheels. A Technology Package includes a navigation system, a rearview camera, keyless access and engine start, and steering-linked adaptive bi-xenon headlights. A dual-screen DVD entertainment system is optional. An adjustable air suspension is optional on the TDI.

The 2011 Volkswagen Touareg is redesigned, with freshened styling and the company’s first gas/electric hybrid model. This 5-passenger wagon has standard all-wheel drive with low-range gearing for off-road use. Touareg lends elements of its basic design to the premium-large Audi Q7 and midsize Porsche Cayenne. It comes in three models, the V6, diesel-powered TDI, and gas/electric Hybrid.

The conventional base model has a 276-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 engine. The TDI has a 236-horsepower 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6. The Hybrid pairs a supercharged 3.0-liter V6 engine with an electric motor for 375 horsepower total. It can run on one or both of its power sources to balance acceleration and fuel economy. No plug-in charging is required.

All use an 8-speed automatic transmission. Maximum towing capacity is 7,700 pounds. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain-side airbags, and front-side airbags. Among the available features are a navigation system with 18-gigabyte hard drive for storing digital-music files. We have not yet tested the 2011 Volkswagen Touareg.

The 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan is this German automaker’s first compact SUV. This 4-door wagon seats five and is powered by a turbocharged 200-hp 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine. The 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan is available in S, SE, and SEL trim levels. All models are offered with front-wheel drive, and all-wheel drive is available on the SE and SEL.A 6-speed automatic transmission is standard on all but the S, where it’s an option to that model’s standard 6-speed manual.

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 with rearview camera, a fold-flat front passenger seat, a sunroof, and a 30-gigabyte hard drive to store data and digital audio files.

The Tiguan is Volkswagen’s new entry into the ever growing small SUV segment. With European design and sophistication, VW looks to take on the established player’s in the market head-on.Type: Premium unleaded. Cylinders: 4..Horse Power: 200..Compressor Type: Intercooled turbo..Variable Valve Timing..Max RPM: 5,100..Torque: 207..Max Torque RPM: 1,700..Compression Ratio: 9.60 : 1..Size: 2.0..Valve Gear: DOHC..Total Valves: 16..Engine Configuration: Inline..Displacement: 121..Vehicle Emissions: ULEV II.Number of speeds: 6..Manual / automatic: Automatic..Automatic type: Automatic..Transmission Hill Holder

The 2010 Volkswagen Tiguan lineup will undergo a reorganization during the model year. This 4-door wagon seats 5 and is powered by a 200-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine. Tiguan will offers S, SE, Wolfsburg, and SEL trim levels. Wolfsburg will replace the SE during the 2010 model year.

All are available with front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is offered on the SE/Wolfsburg and SEL. A 6-speed manual transmission is standard on the S. Optional on that model and standard on all others is a 6-speed automatic. 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 with rearview camera, a sunroof, and a 30-gigabyte hard drive to store data and digital audio files. Leather upholstery is standard on the SEL; it’s optional on the SE and versions so equipped are priced as separate models.