Autos
Holiday haulers
Several spry rides have plenty of room and vroom
Look out the window. If thereās no brand-new car with a bright big bow in the driveway, itās time to be your own secret Santa. Question is, should you opt for something naughty or nice? Luckily, the vehicles below are a bit of both, with feisty engines, bad-boy handling and lots of options and storage space.
Audi A3 TDI
$31,000
Mpg: 30 city/42 highway
0-to-60 mph: 8.9 seconds
Cargo space: 39 cu. ft.
The A3 hatchback is fast, fun and frugal, at least when it comes to gas mileage. The regular-gas model posts a decent mpg of 21 city/30 highway. But the TDI diesel is 40 percent better. Evading D.C. potholes is a breeze, thanks to Audiās sport-tuned suspension. And the refined interior ā another Audi plus ā has upscale knobs, aluminum trim and firm seats that would make a chiropractor proud. There are a few misses, such as cramped rear seats (which fold down, but not flat) and a clunky nav system. Still, itās hard not to appreciate all the extras, including automatic wipers, 10-speaker Bose stereo and stellar crash-test scores. But act fast: while the A3 gets a complete makeover in 2014, only the new sedan will be coming to America.
Infiniti JX
$41,000
Mpg: 18 city/24highway
0-to-60 mph: 8.3 seconds
Cargo space: 76.5 cu. ft.
This is no QX 56, the oversized beast in Infinitiās lineup. Instead, the JX ā at $20,000 less than the QX ā seats seven but is nimbler and more fuel-friendly. It also has less power, though the V6 was just fine passing pokey semis and grandmas on a last-minute dash to IKEA. While styling is akin to a minivan (not a plus), it doesnāt feel that way inside the super-quiet cabin. Along with high-end materials, there is three-zone automatic climate control, rear-seat entertainment, panoramic sunroof, heated/cooled seats and 15-speaker surround-sound audio. Multi-taskers will love the remote start and power lift gate. And the JX has the latest safety gear, including blind-spot and lane-departure warning systems. When in reverse, the JX can even apply the brakes automatically if something is in its path.
Jeep Wrangler Sport
$24,000
Mpg: 17 city/21 highway
0-to-60 mph: 7.1 seconds
Cargo space: 55 cu. ft.
Why would anyone buy a Wrangler? Fuel-efficiency is lame. Styling is dated. And the ride is so noisy and jarring, you wonāt need caffeine to stay awake. Yet this retro icon is a blast to drive, especially in button-down Washington. With the two-door model ā way more fun than the four-door ā you can remove the roof, doors and windshield. There are some funky exterior colors, too, including fire-engine red, stop-light yellow and powder-puff blue. Surprisingly quick, the Wrangler is still a true off-road vehicle. But be careful ā itās easy to over-steer when cornering too fast. Of course, thatās exactly what driving purists love: a back-to-basics vehicle that requires complete attention and can take you anywhere.
Kia Sorento SX
$33,000
Mpg: 20 city/26 highway
0-to-60 mph: 7.5 seconds
Cargo space: 72.5 cu. ft.
It was supposed to be a relaxing getaway. But after a choppy flight into Chicago on a dark and stormy night, there was still a dreaded two-hour drive to the B&B. Yet any white-knuckle anxiety soon flitted away in the Sorento, which zipped past other cars pulled off to the side of the road with their emergency flashers on. Inside the Kiaās well-insulated cabin, you could almost forget the torrents of rain and high winds. This was the sporty SX model, with upgraded stereo, potent engine and heated steering wheel. Parking sensors and backup camera were a plus. So was the large touchscreen nav system, real-time traffic info and ā once the sun came out a few days later ā a super-sized panoramic sunroof. All in all, the SX was as steady and snazzy as a Lexus crossover, but costs about $10,000 less.
Autos
Glam rides: BMW X6 and Range Rover Velar
Impressive standard features elevate these lower-priced options
Many sport-utes with ho-hum styling still impress me by offering scads of standard features and a low MSRP. But sometimes itās hard not to be seduced by what I call glam ridesāpricier vehicles with plenty of attitude. You know, like something Cassandro might drive.
BMW X6
$75,000
MPG: 23 city/26 highway
0 to 60 mph: 5.2 seconds
Maximum cargo room: 59.6 cu. ft.
PROS: OutrƩ styling, posh cabin, raw power
CONS: Less rear visibility, limited storage, costly options
IN A NUTSHELL: Trust me, itās hard not to fall in love with a BMW X6. This recently updated crossover, with its coupe-like profile, swept-back grille and breathtaking acceleration, had me at hello. High ground clearance and oodles of high-tech features turn this high-end hauler into one helluva wild ride.
Sure, the sharply sloped roof hampers rear-seat headroom and cargo capacity. But up front thereās more room than expected, along with a dramatically curved digital dashboard. And the ginormous panoramic moonroof helps make the interior feel quite spacious.
How good is this BMW? Zipping up to Baltimore last month during a day of downpours and clueless commuters, my husband and I started rethinking our promise to never buy a budget-busting vehicle. For us, bad weather and heavy traffic usually result in clenched teeth, heavy sighs and my swearing like a sailor. Yet the hushed cabin, 16-way power front seats and ability to control the stereo and other functions simply by waving my hand were all very Zen. Ditto the finely tuned suspension, steering and braking, which anticipated my every move. Instead of shying away from rush hour on our return home, I leaned in.
Myriad safety features ā from forward-collision alerts and blind-spot monitors to lane-departure warnings and a 360-degree camera ā batted away any concerns about fender benders. Same for the option packages that allow you to park the X6 automatically, store familiar maneuvers and drive hands-free at up to 85 mph.
Power in the base-model ā which is what I test drove ā comes from a lively 375-hp turbo, with a 48-volt hybrid system to improve gas mileage. Thereās also a smooth eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive for sure handling on slippery roads. Pricing begins at $75,000, but options on my test car brought it up toāwhoa!ā88,000.
For more grit and growl, thereās the xDrive60i, with a 523-hp twin turbo that helps this Bimmer sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds. And the top-of-the-line X6 M Competition with a 617-hp V8 is even faster at a blistering 3.7 seconds. But I am much too afraid to drive this gnarly high-test modelāit starts at $128,000.
RANGE ROVER VELAR
$63,000
MPG: 19 city/25 highway
0 to 60 mph: 5.2 seconds
Maximum cargo room: 70.1 cu. ft.
PROS: Refined design, chic interior, lotsa storage
CONS: Tepid base engine, more sedate handling, pricey
IN A NUTSHELL: While Range Rovers are known for being oh-so-classy, the Velar is much sassier than the rest of the lineup.
The sweeping front fascia would make Ariana Grande proud: Svelte grille, sporty wraparound headlights and stretched, corset-like air ducts in the bumper.
Inside, the look is spartan but elegant. All knobs and other switchgear are mostly hidden or activated by an 11.4-inch infotainment touchscreen that seems to hover in front of the dash. Even the ubiquitous cruise control and stereo buttons on the steering wheel seem to have vanished, though look closer and they are tastefully integrated into the design.
While the Velar may be classified as a compact vehicle, it looks and feels much larger. Compared with the midsize BMW X6, both have ample seating for five people. Front-seat dimensions are practically the same, but the supposedly smaller Range Rover has better back-seat headroom and legroom. It also holds almost 20% more cargo.
Built on the same platform as the popular Jaguar F-Pace, the Velar has a relaxed ride compared to the more athletic BMW X6. Power is less aggressive on the Range Rover, with choice of two competent but hardly rip-roaring engines.
Build quality is impressive, including the optional leather-free interior that uses an upscale composite of wool and polyurethane. And while even the base-model comes with interior ambient lighting and a premium Meridian stereo, you can opt for the 17-speaker 3D system for an even more āMaestroā-like experience.
Overall, the Velar may be less of a rabble rouser than the BMW X6, but thereās still plenty here to dazzle the senses.
Autos
Rugged yet ritzy: Ford Bronco, Nissan Pathfinder
One offers retro design, the other an edgy and chic look
Both the Ford Bronco and Nissan Pathfinder have rough-and-ready reputations. Each boasts butch bona fides and some nifty off-road capability. But dig a bit deeper into your wallet, and you can step up to higher trim levels for added power and a bit more bling.
FORD BRONCO HERITAGE LIMITED EDITION
$70,000
MPG: 17 city/17 highway
0 to 60 mph: 6.2 seconds
Maximum cargo room: 77.6 cu. ft.
PROS: Retro design, rousing engine rumble, myriad amenities
CONS: Low fuel economy, bouncy ride, pricey
IN A NUTSHELL: After a 24-year hiatus, the Ford Bronco came galloping back to showrooms in 2021. Today there are nine trim levels, including the Heritage Limited Edition that I just finished test driving for a week. At $70,000, this Broncoāsecond only to the $90,000 Raptorāstill costs a pretty penny: $30,000 more than the entry-level model. Yet the higher price is worth it, with a gritty V6 turbo that offers much more giddy-up than the standard four-cylinder engine.
Thereās also a rad retro design, with heritage-style graphics, multiple skid plates, and special bumpers and fenders. Exterior colorsāespecially the Robinās Egg Blue, coupled with a white grille and white roofāare a nice throwback to the 1960s. So are the removable doors and roof panels for a safari-like look Ć la an old-timey āWild Kingdomā episode.
Yes, the Bronco is a truck-based SUV, so expect more bounciness than in a Lexus or a Lincoln. But the stable steering and comfortable seats help make up for it. Ground clearance is high, thanks to large 35-inch mud-terrain tires. Luckily, running boards and numerous rubber-lined grab handles make it easy to climb in and out.
Despite the sound-deadening insulation, thereās still a fair amount of exterior wind noise at high speeds. But this makes it easier to hear the sweet sound of the Broncoās strong whinny, er, exhaust growl.
Along with a vibe thatās decidedly old-school cool, this mid-sizer comes with lots of modern amenities: keyless entry, remote start, heated seats, ambient lighting, dual-zone automatic climate control, 360-degree surround-view camera and 10-speaker premium B&O stereo. New this year is a larger, 12-inch touchscreen. I also liked the huge stowage area, with convenient cargo straps to hold down gear, a flip-up rear window for easy access, and a swing-out door to hold a full-size spare tire.
I guess you could say Ford wasnāt horsing around when it decided to add such a fully loaded Bronco to the stable.
NISSAN PATHFINDER ROCK CREEK
$44,000
MPG: 20 city/23 highway
0 to 60 mph: 7.0 seconds
Maximum cargo room: 80.4 cu. ft.
PROS: Roomy, comfy, muted cabin
CONS: So-so gas mileage, tight third row, many competitors
IN A NUTSHELL: Seeking an SUV thatās more diamonds than denim? Then consider the Nissan Pathfinder, also redesigned just a few years ago and a big step up from the previous model. But instead of retro styling like a Ford Bronco, the look here is a combo of edgy and chic.
Thatās especially true with the Rock Creek version, which sports an aggressive front fascia, grille inserts, trendy black cladding, raised off-road suspension, all-terrain tires and tubular roof rack that can hold 220 pounds. āRock Creekā badging, which is stamped on the side panels and rear liftgate, is also embroidered in stylish orange contrast stitching on the water-resistant seats. All-wheel drive ā optional on all other trims ā is standard here. And Rock Creek towing capacity, which is 3,500 pounds on most other Pathfinders, is an impressive 6,000 pounds.
The spacious cabin has enough room for up to eight passengers, though third-row legroom is tight. In the second row, you can opt for a pair of captainās chairs instead of a three-person bench seat. Regardless, those rear seats are heated, which is a nice touch.
Nissan has done a good job of making vehicles that feel as rich and luxurious as those in its high-end Infiniti lineup. On the Pathfinder, that means thicker glass and extra insulation for a whisper-quiet cabin. Thereās also brushed-aluminum trim and a sporty flat-bottom steering wheel with paddle shifters. Along with smartphone integration, wireless charging pad and voice-command capability, other tech features include a windshield head-up display, 360-degree birdās-eye camera, ambient interior lighting, 13-speaker Bose stereo and a slew of safety options.
When comparing the Ford Bronco with the Nissan Pathfinder, itās hard to resist the rip-roaring ride of a fun and feisty Bronco. But the more practical Pathfinder is still plenty adventurous, especially with all the goodies that come in the Rock Creek.
A new year means new vehicles sashaying into dealer showrooms. But for 2024, retro is in, with nostalgic nameplates like the Dodge Hornet and VW Bus proving everything old is new again. Between you and me, though, letās leave the Cadillac Cimarron, Ford Edsel and anything remotely resembling a Yugo as footnotes to history.
DODGE HORNET PHEV
$41,000
Electric-only range: 33 miles
MPG: 74 MPGe (electric/gas), 29 MPG (gas only)
0 to 60 mph: 5.6 seconds
Cargo room: 54.7 cu. ft. with rear seats down
PROS: Stylish, comfy, peppy
CONS: Snug, bit bouncy, pricey
IN A NUTSHELL: According to automotive lore, the first Hornet (1905-1906) was a short-lived, two-seat runabout from Horner & Sons. Then came the British-built Wolseley Hornet (1930-1936, and again 1960-1961). Next up, the Hudson Hornet (1951-1957), available as family sedan, coupe or convertible. The performance-oriented coupeānicknamed āFabulous Hudson Hornetāāwould rule the world of stock-car racing and establish the Hornetās daredevil image. AMC created its own Hornet (1970-1977), but this time for a blah compact carāa sibling to the butt-ugly Gremlin. To be fair, one of the best movie stunts ever is James Bond performing a corkscrew car jump over a Bangkok river while driving an AMC Hornet.
Now, after a decades-long hiatus, Dodge has resurrected the Hornet name for its all-new subcompact SUV. While this latest Hornet debuted as a 2023 model with a gas engine, the buzz this year is the addition of a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV)āthe first ever from Dodge.
The Hornet PHEV comes in two versions: R/T and R/T Plus. Both pack plenty of punch, with twice the horsepower of many competitors. Use the paddle shifters to activate the PowerShot system, which adds an extra 30 horses for even more oomph. Alas, this featureāwhich allows the Hornet to boast muscle-car accelerationālasts only about 15 seconds before the system needs to cool down for another 15 seconds.
But no matter the speed, the standard all-wheel drive and premium Brembo brakes keep everything under control. One handling complaint: Because of the short wheelbase, there is some annoying bobbing up and down over large potholes.
Built on the same platform as a tony Alfa Romeo Tonale, the Hornet shares similar design cues, including chiseled side panels, narrow LED headlights and high roofline. But only the Hornet has two sleek, functional hood scoops.
Inside, the Alfa ambience continues with a nicely sculpted dash, flat-bottom steering wheel and scooped-out center console. Even the door handles and infotainment system look the same in both vehicles.
As with all hornets, beware the sting. In this case, itās pricing: A fully loaded Hornet R/T Plus can easily approach $55,000.
VOLKSWAGEN ID.BUZZ MICROBUS
$55,000 (est.)
Range: 260 miles
Fast-charge time: Up to 80% in 30 minutes
0 to 60 mph: 7.5 seconds
Cargo room: 138 cu. ft.
PROS: Fun colors, fun styling, fun ride
CONS: Limited appeal, limited production, limited trim level
IN A NUTSHELL: Legend has it that a Dutch businessman sketched the VW van after visiting a Volkswagen plant in 1947. Two years later a prototype was built, and the first Microbus rolled off the production line in 1950.
Production ceased in 2014, but only after countless variations were builtāmany with beds, sinks, tents, picnic furniture, surfboard racks and the like. This proud symbol of the counterculture hippie movement of the 1960s likely has been in more movies, TV shows, and magazine ads than there have been Grateful Dead concerts (2,300-plus so far, for all you Jerry Garcia fans).
While technically a 2025 model, the all-electric VW ID.Buzz arrives later this year. The chassis is from the ID.4 electric crossover, but everything else is new. Groovy colors include Cabana Blue, Mahi Green, Pomelo Yellow, Energetic Orange and more.
The space-age cabin has an āOrvilleā vibe, with a large 12.9-inch touchscreen hovering over the dash, 30-color ambient lighting and an expansive windshield. The accelerator even has an audio/video āPlayā symbol engraved on the pedal, while the brake pedal is engraved with the āPauseā symbol. Too cute? Well, maybe…
Two trim levels, but only the long-wheelbase model will be sold in the U.S. That means three rows of seats, with optional captainās chairs in the second row. The front seats even come with a massage function. Oh, and the optional panoramic sunroof with electrochromic tint can change from opaque to clear with the swipe of your finger. Shagadelic, baby!
While the Dodge Hornet R/T can trace its lineage to at least one fast and fabulous forebear, fans of this new VW can thank generations of Deadheads for spreading the love about the original bus. But crank up the sublime 14-speaker Harman Kardon stereo, and this new VW suddenly channels another far-out ride: āPriscilla, Queen of the Desert.ā
-
Africa3 days ago
Congolese lawmaker introduces anti-homosexuality bill
-
Colorado5 days ago
Five transgender, nonbinary ICE detainees allege mistreatment at Colo. detention center
-
World3 days ago
Out in the World: LGBTQ news from Europe and Asia
-
Real Estate4 days ago
Boosting your rental propertyās curb appeal