Look at some cool pictures and you will really know what beauty it is!!
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Honda Civic 2011 'pics' Revealed
The new Honda Civic is here – and yet again it’s set to break the mould in the family hatchback sector! These exclusive shots show how the next car will look when it hits the showroom in 2010, and as you can see, the Japanese maker has opted for a shape that is even bolder and more individual than the current model.
2011 Buick Regal Review and Prices
2011 Buick Regal Buying Advice
The 2011 Buick Regal is the best car for you if you want a (lightly) Americanized version of a sporty sedan that’s the toast of Europe.
The 2011 Buick Regal restores the Regal nameplate to the Buick lineup for the first time since model-year 2004. But the 2011 Regal is no underachieving family four-door. It’s a sporty, front-wheel-drive midsize sedan available with turbo power and a performance-tuned suspension. It essentially puts a Buick face on the Opel Insignia, a sedan developed by General Motors’ German division and the winner of several awards, including prestigious 2009 European Car of the Year. In fact, the 2011 Buick Regal will be built in Germany and imported to the U.S.
Should you wait for the 2011 Buick Regal? Yes. Here’s your chance to wrap a Euro driving experience in red, white, and blue. Pricing should start in the mid--$20,000s, styling is handsome inside and out, and Buick promises highway fuel economy around 30 mpg.
The 2011 Buick Regal restores the Regal nameplate to the Buick lineup for the first time since model-year 2004. But the 2011 Regal is no underachieving family four-door. It’s a sporty, front-wheel-drive midsize sedan available with turbo power and a performance-tuned suspension. It essentially puts a Buick face on the Opel Insignia, a sedan developed by General Motors’ German division and the winner of several awards, including prestigious 2009 European Car of the Year. In fact, the 2011 Buick Regal will be built in Germany and imported to the U.S.
2011 Buick Regal Changes
Styling: The 2011 Buick Regal grafts onto the Opel Insignia a Buick-signature vertical-bar “waterfall” grille complemented by swept-back headlamps. Intact are the German car’s muscular, high-shouldered stance, coupe-graceful roof, and distinctive hockey-stick bodyside character line. The 2011 Regal is about as large as a Ford Fusion, making it a more-tightly cropped midsize sedan than, say, the Honda Accord. Indeed, Buick is aiming the 2011 Regal slightly upscale of Fusion, Accord, and other mainstream midsizers. It says it’ll fight for 40-something fans of sportier sedans like the Audi A4 and Acura TSX; Buick’s typical buyer is 70 years old. A version of this 2011 Regal is already on sale in China, where Buick is a popular premium brand. The China Regal has yet another grille, but the influence of its interior design is evident in the rounded sweep and the control layout of the U.S. model’s dashboard. That influence also is obvious in the Buick LaCrosse, a larger midsize sedan developed for the Chinese market and added to Buick’s U.S. lineup as a 2010 model. LaCrosse, Regal, and Insignia are based on GM’s global midsize-car engineering, but LaCrosse is a larger car with different styling. The 2011 Buick Regal will debut in a single, uplevel model tagged CXL.
Mechanical: The 2011 Buick Regal will be limited to two four-cylinder engines – at least initially. Both engines belong to GM’s Ecotec engine family and have dual-overhead camshafts and modern direct fuel injection. The base engine is a 2.4-liter that’s also the entry-level engine in the larger, heavier LaCrosse. Buick rates it at 182 horsepower; estimated torque in the Regal is 172 pound-feet. Optional in the 2011 Regal is a turbocharged 2.0-liter Buick lists at 220 horsepower; estimated torque is 258 pound-feet. The turbo 2.0 will become available a couple of months after the 2011 Regal launches. Both engines will work exclusively through a six-speed automatic transmission calibrated to their individual power characteristics and capable of being shifted manually. The 2011 Buick Regal promises sporty handling but aims to do it with front-wheel drive. That places the weight of the engine over the wheels that also propel and steer the car. Classic sports sedans like the BMW 3-Series and Infiniti G37 are based on rear wheel drive designs that more equitably distribute weight front-to-rear – and don’t demand that the front tires do double duty by both steering and delivering power. Nonetheless, the Opel Insignia has won plaudits for its handling, and Regals with the turbo engine will be available with Buick’s high-tech Interactive Drive Control System (IDSC). Buick says IDSC continually modifies chassis reactions based on driving style and road conditions. It also provides three driver-selectable suspension settings: Normal for an even balance of ride and handling; Touring to optimize comfort; and Sport, which tightens the suspension and quickens steering response and transmission shifts. The 2011 Regal uses a MacPherson-strut front suspension and a four-link independent rear suspension. The steering has hydraulic power assist. Antilock four-wheel disc brakes, traction and antiskid control, and 18-inch alloy wheels are standard. IDSC-equipped cars get 19-inch wheels.
Features: CXL is Buick’s designation for its top-of-the-line models and the 2011 Buick Regal CXL fits the bill. Standard features include leather upholstery with heated front buckets seats and a 12-way power driver’s seat. The interior takes its cue from the laudably upmarket layout in the LaCrosse. Sporty round gauges and a sloping center stack blend business with pleasure. Instruments and controls have striking ice-blue LED lighting. Padded surfaces are plentiful and much of the cabin plastic has a satin-metallic or piano-black finish. A generously sized color monitor is near eye level. A knob-and-button controller behind the shift lever on the center console governs the main infotaintment systems. Bluetooth cell-phone linking, XM satellite radio, and OnStar assistance are standard. A navigation system is optional. To get USB iPod interface, you’ll need to order the premium Harmon Kardon sound system, which includes a 1GB internal flash drive and a hard drive with 10GB of music storage. Standard safety features include head-protecting curtain side airbags; torso-protecting rear side airbags are optional.
Mechanical: The 2011 Buick Regal will be limited to two four-cylinder engines – at least initially. Both engines belong to GM’s Ecotec engine family and have dual-overhead camshafts and modern direct fuel injection. The base engine is a 2.4-liter that’s also the entry-level engine in the larger, heavier LaCrosse. Buick rates it at 182 horsepower; estimated torque in the Regal is 172 pound-feet. Optional in the 2011 Regal is a turbocharged 2.0-liter Buick lists at 220 horsepower; estimated torque is 258 pound-feet. The turbo 2.0 will become available a couple of months after the 2011 Regal launches. Both engines will work exclusively through a six-speed automatic transmission calibrated to their individual power characteristics and capable of being shifted manually. The 2011 Buick Regal promises sporty handling but aims to do it with front-wheel drive. That places the weight of the engine over the wheels that also propel and steer the car. Classic sports sedans like the BMW 3-Series and Infiniti G37 are based on rear wheel drive designs that more equitably distribute weight front-to-rear – and don’t demand that the front tires do double duty by both steering and delivering power. Nonetheless, the Opel Insignia has won plaudits for its handling, and Regals with the turbo engine will be available with Buick’s high-tech Interactive Drive Control System (IDSC). Buick says IDSC continually modifies chassis reactions based on driving style and road conditions. It also provides three driver-selectable suspension settings: Normal for an even balance of ride and handling; Touring to optimize comfort; and Sport, which tightens the suspension and quickens steering response and transmission shifts. The 2011 Regal uses a MacPherson-strut front suspension and a four-link independent rear suspension. The steering has hydraulic power assist. Antilock four-wheel disc brakes, traction and antiskid control, and 18-inch alloy wheels are standard. IDSC-equipped cars get 19-inch wheels.
Features: CXL is Buick’s designation for its top-of-the-line models and the 2011 Buick Regal CXL fits the bill. Standard features include leather upholstery with heated front buckets seats and a 12-way power driver’s seat. The interior takes its cue from the laudably upmarket layout in the LaCrosse. Sporty round gauges and a sloping center stack blend business with pleasure. Instruments and controls have striking ice-blue LED lighting. Padded surfaces are plentiful and much of the cabin plastic has a satin-metallic or piano-black finish. A generously sized color monitor is near eye level. A knob-and-button controller behind the shift lever on the center console governs the main infotaintment systems. Bluetooth cell-phone linking, XM satellite radio, and OnStar assistance are standard. A navigation system is optional. To get USB iPod interface, you’ll need to order the premium Harmon Kardon sound system, which includes a 1GB internal flash drive and a hard drive with 10GB of music storage. Standard safety features include head-protecting curtain side airbags; torso-protecting rear side airbags are optional.
2011 Buick Regal Prices
Prices for the 2011 Buick Regal had not been released in time for this review. But expect the generously contented CXL with the 2.4-liter engine to start around $25,000-$26,000, including destination fee. Anticipate another $2,000 or so for the turbo 2.0 engine and an additional $1,700 or so for IDSC. A loaded 2011 Buick Regal with navigation and premium audio will top $33,000.
2011 Buick Regal Fuel Economy
EPA mileage ratings for 2011 models had not been announced in time for this review, but Buick estimates 2011 Regal fuel economy at 30 mpg on the highway with the 2.4-liter engine and 29 mpg on the highway with the 2.0L turbo engine. It didn’t estimate city fuel economy, but figure around 22 mpg for the 2.4 and 20 for the 2.0 turbo. It’s possible Buick will recommend premium-octane gas for the turbo engine.
2011 Buick Regal Release Date
The 2011 Buick Regal CLX with the 2.4-liter four-cylinder goes on sale in the second-quarter of 2010, meaning the spring-summer time frame. The 2011 Regal CLX with the 2.0-liter turbo will be available in late-summer 2010.
What's next for the Buick Regal
A truly sporty Buick is an historic rarity, but the V-8 Gran Sport and GS models of the 1960s were posh muscle cars, the 1970 GSX was a tire-smoking classic, and the turbo V-6 Gran National and GNX models of the 1980s were barn burners. All had roots in the rear-wheel-drive family of Buick intermediates that also included the original Regal. The 2011 Regal, by contrast, looks to Europe for its identity, while Buick itself undergoes a transformation from white-shoe American to GM’s international-flavored entry-luxury brand.
GM had been moving its Saturn brand in that direction, but Saturn was a casualty of the recent corporate reorganization. Interestingly, the car originally intended as the second-generation Saturn Aura midsize sedan is now the 2011 Regal.
To go along with the CLX, Buick promises a second Regal trim level, likely as a model-year 2012 addition. It’ll probably be a lower-cost CX model and isn’t apt to be available with leather upholstery or the turbocharged 2.0-liter engine. Some observers speculate Buick will eventually offer Regal with a V-6 engine, but the carmaker is mum about that.
The new Regal is assembled at the Opel plant in Germany that also builds the Insignia. Sometime in early 2011, Buick says, assembly will be transferred to a GM plant in North America.
GM had been moving its Saturn brand in that direction, but Saturn was a casualty of the recent corporate reorganization. Interestingly, the car originally intended as the second-generation Saturn Aura midsize sedan is now the 2011 Regal.
To go along with the CLX, Buick promises a second Regal trim level, likely as a model-year 2012 addition. It’ll probably be a lower-cost CX model and isn’t apt to be available with leather upholstery or the turbocharged 2.0-liter engine. Some observers speculate Buick will eventually offer Regal with a V-6 engine, but the carmaker is mum about that.
The new Regal is assembled at the Opel plant in Germany that also builds the Insignia. Sometime in early 2011, Buick says, assembly will be transferred to a GM plant in North America.
2011 Buick Regal Competitors
Acura TSX: The front-drive sporty sedan from Honda’s premium brand is similar to the new Regal in size, style, and intent. TSX offers a four-cylinder of about 200 horsepower and a V-6 with around 280. It boasts lively road manners, good fuel economy, and Acura’s highly rated quality and reliability. Leather upholstery and power sunroof are among standard features included in base prices that start around $31,000. TSX was all-new for model-year 2010 and no major changes are planned for several model years.
Lincoln MKZ: This is the top iteration of a midsize Ford Motor family that also includes the Fusion and the Mercury Milan. Each in its own way is a Regal alternative, but MKZ is a nice foil for the Regal CXL model. Like Buick, Lincoln is casting itself as a reborn premium-American brand. And like the Regal CXL, the MKZ comes with leather upholstery -- though it also includes real wood trim and offers all-wheel drive as an alternative to front-drive. MKZ’s sole engine is a V-6 of around 263 horsepower hooked to a six-speed automatic. Pricing starts around $35,000. MKZ was updated for model-year 2010 and won’t get additional major changes for several years.
Nissan Maxima: A little larger than the 2011 Regal. A bit more expensive, too, at around $31,000 to start and around $34,000 for the sporty SV model with leather upholstery. But this sporty front-drive sedan already appeals to the upwardly mobile grown-ups Regal hopes to attract. Maxima disguises well its Nissan Altima linage with cooler styling, a more contemporary interior, and more confident road manners. A V-6 of around 290 horsepower is the only engine and it mates with a continuously variable transmission. Maxima was redesigned for 2009 and won’t change again for several years.
Lincoln MKZ: This is the top iteration of a midsize Ford Motor family that also includes the Fusion and the Mercury Milan. Each in its own way is a Regal alternative, but MKZ is a nice foil for the Regal CXL model. Like Buick, Lincoln is casting itself as a reborn premium-American brand. And like the Regal CXL, the MKZ comes with leather upholstery -- though it also includes real wood trim and offers all-wheel drive as an alternative to front-drive. MKZ’s sole engine is a V-6 of around 263 horsepower hooked to a six-speed automatic. Pricing starts around $35,000. MKZ was updated for model-year 2010 and won’t get additional major changes for several years.
Nissan Maxima: A little larger than the 2011 Regal. A bit more expensive, too, at around $31,000 to start and around $34,000 for the sporty SV model with leather upholstery. But this sporty front-drive sedan already appeals to the upwardly mobile grown-ups Regal hopes to attract. Maxima disguises well its Nissan Altima linage with cooler styling, a more contemporary interior, and more confident road manners. A V-6 of around 290 horsepower is the only engine and it mates with a continuously variable transmission. Maxima was redesigned for 2009 and won’t change again for several years.
Monday, January 24, 2011
2010 Acura TL Review and Prices
The 2010 Acura TL is the best car for you if you respect Honda engineering, want it in a premium package, and can stomach some unusual styling.
The 2010 Acura TL builds off the Honda Accord sedan, turning up the wick on power, technology, and price. The TL was all new for model-year 2009 and returns for 2010 in base front-wheel-drive form and as the performance-oriented all-wheel-drive SH-AWD model. For 2010, the SH-AWD gains a six-speed manual transmission as an alternative to a five-speed automatic.
Should you buy a 2010 Acura TL or wait for the 2011 Acura TL? Little reason to wait for the 2011 TL. No big changes are expected for 2011 -- though Acura could surprise with a nip and tuck to address criticism of the car’s front-end styling. That nose, with its metallic-snaggletooth grille, is the new face of the brand, however, so the 2011 TL’s very likely to return visually unaltered. Shop the 2010 model to take advantage of a buyer’s market.
The 2010 Acura TL builds off the Honda Accord sedan, turning up the wick on power, technology, and price. The TL was all new for model-year 2009 and returns for 2010 in base front-wheel-drive form and as the performance-oriented all-wheel-drive SH-AWD model. For 2010, the SH-AWD gains a six-speed manual transmission as an alternative to a five-speed automatic.
2010 Acura TL Prices
The 2010 Acura TL price range is $35,915-$44,195 (prices in this review include Acura’s $810 destination fee).
The base TL is priced at $35,915, or $39,645 with the Technology Package.
The 2010 Acura TL SH-AWD is priced at $39,465. Manual-transmission SH-AWD models include the Technology Package and are priced the same as Tech Package automatic-transmission counterparts: $43,195 with 18-inch wheels, $44,195 with 19s.
The base TL is priced at $35,915, or $39,645 with the Technology Package.
The 2010 Acura TL SH-AWD is priced at $39,465. Manual-transmission SH-AWD models include the Technology Package and are priced the same as Tech Package automatic-transmission counterparts: $43,195 with 18-inch wheels, $44,195 with 19s.
2010 Acura TL Road Test
Interior:A cabin that combines fresh design with easy functionality may be the 2010 TL’s most appealing feature. The optional Technology Package includes a navigation system with responsive voice activation and a crystalline 8-inch dashboard screen.
Leather upholstery, heated power front seats, Bluetooth and USB linking are standard on all TLs. Comfort is best in the roomy, supportive front seats. The rear seat is really a cosseting bucket-type arrangement for two; head room is tight if you’re over 5-foot-8.
Exterior:Aside from its controversial grille, this midsize four-door sedan is actually quite generic in appearance. The body does run counter to today’s trend toward minimal sheetmetal overhangs with a proboscis that extends far forward of the front wheels.
The SH-AWD is distinguished from the base TL by a rear spoiler, front-fascia brake-cooling ducts, and quad exhaust outlets. On the base TL, 17-inch alloy wheels are standard and 18s optional. On the SH-AWD, 18s are standard and 19s with special summer performance tires are optional.
Driving:The base TL with its 280-horsepower V-6 has all the performance you’ll need. Fast starts, however, can be tainted by the sideways torque-steer tug endemic to powerful front-drive cars. Front-wheel drive is an adjunct to snow traction but no match for the handling balance afforded by the rear-wheel-drive design of rivals from BMW and Infiniti.
Acura’s “Super Handling” all-wheel drive system eliminates torque steer and directs all the SH-AWD’s 305 horsepower to the tarmac for tenacious grip and heroic handling. Every direct competitor has an automatic transmission with more ratios than the TL’s five, though the six-speed manual new to the SH-AWD is a nice performance credential. Both TL models ride firmly but neither is jarring over bumps.
Leather upholstery, heated power front seats, Bluetooth and USB linking are standard on all TLs. Comfort is best in the roomy, supportive front seats. The rear seat is really a cosseting bucket-type arrangement for two; head room is tight if you’re over 5-foot-8.
Exterior:Aside from its controversial grille, this midsize four-door sedan is actually quite generic in appearance. The body does run counter to today’s trend toward minimal sheetmetal overhangs with a proboscis that extends far forward of the front wheels.
The SH-AWD is distinguished from the base TL by a rear spoiler, front-fascia brake-cooling ducts, and quad exhaust outlets. On the base TL, 17-inch alloy wheels are standard and 18s optional. On the SH-AWD, 18s are standard and 19s with special summer performance tires are optional.
Driving:The base TL with its 280-horsepower V-6 has all the performance you’ll need. Fast starts, however, can be tainted by the sideways torque-steer tug endemic to powerful front-drive cars. Front-wheel drive is an adjunct to snow traction but no match for the handling balance afforded by the rear-wheel-drive design of rivals from BMW and Infiniti.
Acura’s “Super Handling” all-wheel drive system eliminates torque steer and directs all the SH-AWD’s 305 horsepower to the tarmac for tenacious grip and heroic handling. Every direct competitor has an automatic transmission with more ratios than the TL’s five, though the six-speed manual new to the SH-AWD is a nice performance credential. Both TL models ride firmly but neither is jarring over bumps.
2010 Acura TL Fuel Economy
The base TL is EPA-rated at 18/26 mpg (city/highway). The SH-AWD is rated 17/25 with automatic transmission, 18/26 with manual. Acura requires premium-grade gas for both models.
2010 Acura TL Safety
In government crash testing, the 2010 Acura TL rates the maximum five stars for driver and passenger protection in both frontal and side impacts.
The Acura TL scores among the best cars rated for overall initial quality by J.D. Power and Associates, the leading automotive consumer-survey firm. Predicted reliability for the Acura TL is rated “better than most” by J.D. Power.
The Acura TL scores among the best cars rated for overall initial quality by J.D. Power and Associates, the leading automotive consumer-survey firm. Predicted reliability for the Acura TL is rated “better than most” by J.D. Power.
2010 Acura TL Competitors
2010 Audi A4: More stylish and roomy than the TL, this European-bred sedan and wagon comes in front- or all-wheel drive and offers a surprisingly effective 211-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder. The hot S4 sedan has a 333-horsepower supercharged V-6. Base price range is roughly $32,000-$50,000.
2010 BMW 3-Series: A little tight in rear-seat room, but arguably the road-manner benchmark among modestly sized sporty cars. Offers rear- and all-wheel-drive coupe, sedan, and wagon body styles, plus a rear-drive convertible. Engines are silky 230- and 300-horsepower gas six-cylinders, a torquey 265-horsepower turbodiesel, and a 414-horsepower V-8 in the to-die-for M3 versions. Base price range is roughly $35,000-$70,000.
2010 Infiniti G37: Nissan’s premium brand fields a formidable rival to anything in the class. The beautifully styled and carefully crafted G37 offers rear- and all-wheel-drive sedans and coupes, plus a rear-drive convertible. A bit of back-seat squeeze is the only real knock. All have a 3.7-liter V-6 of 328-330 horsepower. Base price range is roughly $35,000-$45,000.
2010 BMW 3-Series: A little tight in rear-seat room, but arguably the road-manner benchmark among modestly sized sporty cars. Offers rear- and all-wheel-drive coupe, sedan, and wagon body styles, plus a rear-drive convertible. Engines are silky 230- and 300-horsepower gas six-cylinders, a torquey 265-horsepower turbodiesel, and a 414-horsepower V-8 in the to-die-for M3 versions. Base price range is roughly $35,000-$70,000.
2010 Infiniti G37: Nissan’s premium brand fields a formidable rival to anything in the class. The beautifully styled and carefully crafted G37 offers rear- and all-wheel-drive sedans and coupes, plus a rear-drive convertible. A bit of back-seat squeeze is the only real knock. All have a 3.7-liter V-6 of 328-330 horsepower. Base price range is roughly $35,000-$45,000.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
2011 Nissan Sentra SL
2011 Nissan Sentra SL
Are people at Nissan aware of how far the Sentra has fallen? Such a cheap, bland interior just doesn't cut it in 2011. Neither does such an unrefined powertrain. CVT automatics may once have been a good way to achieve superior fuel economy numbers, but now competitors are achieving much better results with torque converter and dual-clutch transmissions that don't make the engine sound like a clogged shop vac.
I hate to bring up the nationality card, but if a Korean or American automaker produced a small car this far behind the curve, there'd a be chorus of whining about how said automaker can't/won't build a serious small car contender. Now, obviously, Nissan can and does build nice small cars -- the Versa, the Cube, and the Juke are all plenty competitive. But the Sentra is still Nissan's standard-bearer in the crucial C-segment. Other automakers -- Volkswagen, Ford, Hyundai, Chevrolet -- are killing themselves to put out superior compacts. Where is Nissan?
- David Zenlea, Assistant Editor
- David Zenlea, Assistant Editor
When it comes to cargo space and versatility in the world of compact cars, hatchbacks almost always trump conventional four-door sedans. The Sentra isn't exactly an exception to that rule, but it does have one neat party trick, at least on higher-trim models like this SL. Yes, that 60/40 split rear bench does fold, but with a little elbow grease, the seat cushions pop up and flip forward, allowing the seat backs -- headrests and all -- to fold down. The result? A lengthy load surface that's almost completely flat.
I'm not as quick to dismiss the Sentra as some of my colleagues, but certainly, other competitors (especially the new Hyundai Sonata) manage to outclass and undercut Nissan's compact offering. This is a plain-jane, bread-and-butter C-segment offering but the extra flash, efficiency, and affordability found in rivals means Nissan dealers may be facing an uphill battle.
Saturday, January 22, 2011
2011 Acura TSX Review
2011 Acura TSX Review
Overview
. Even in the 4-cylinder grade, the Acura TSX is a big Euro competitor. Its configuration stems from the Honda Accord. Smaller than the Accord, the TSX cannot be misidentified as an Accord sold in the United States. The TSX hosts an attractive frontend, loads of gadgetry, and advantageous features thereby making it a desirable car. The Acura TSX hosts a 2.4-Liter Inline Four motor churning out 201 horsepower. Car buyers can also get a 3.5-Liter V-6 engine generating 280 horsepower. The TSX remains ahead of the pack in the sedan segment, and competes with the Audi A4 and BMW's 328i. Soon, the carmaker will offer a competitive wagon-style configuration; this will let the TSX take the lead when competing with German vehicles in the car segment.The TSX is making headway as it competes with German and Japan cars powered by a V-6 engine coupled with rear-drive features. What the TSX lacks in driving power and speed, it makes up for in driving manners. The TSX will have improved appeal when the wagon configuration is introduced for 2011.
The Range
Body style: Sedan, Wagon
Engines: 2.4L I-4, 3.5L V-6
Transmissions: 5-speed automatic, 6-speed manual
Models TSX, TSX V-6
Engines: 2.4L I-4, 3.5L V-6
Transmissions: 5-speed automatic, 6-speed manual
Models TSX, TSX V-6
What's New
TSX receives new front and rear styling, a revised front grille and rear taillights and restyled 17-inch wheels – all changes adopted from the new wagon. New automatic shift logic improves performance, feel, and fuel economy. The interior receives minor updates to trim and stitching, as well as a new optional navigation system, improved sound insulation and upgraded LED lighting.
Exterior
The new wagon variant brings only with it a subtle refresh to the sedan. V-6 models are differentiated by a trunk badge and revised front fascia that provides better cooling.
Interior
Auto climate control, Bluetooth connectivity, automatic headlights, power seats and moonroof are but a few of the standard features. Active-noise-cancellation differentiates V-6 models, though your ears likely won't notice the difference.
Performance & Handling
In four cylinder trim, the TSX has long been favored by for its sublime driving dynamics – due in part to its relatively light weight, trim dimensions and slick 6-speed manual. Unfortunately, the willing V-6 adds roughly 280 pounds (from I-4 manual to V-6 automatic), and is saddled with the paddle shiftable, but outdated, 5-speed manual we keep harping on.
Safety
Safety features in the TSX include driver and front passenger dual-stage front and front side air bags, and side curtain air bags. Front seat passengers also have active head restraints. ABS and stability control come standard.
EPA Fuel Economy
TSX 4 cylinder 6MT: 20 mpg city/28 mpg highway
TSX 4 cylinder 5AT: 21 mpg city/30 mpg highway
TSX V6 5AT: 18 mpg city/27 mpg highway
TSX 4 cylinder 5AT: 21 mpg city/30 mpg highway
TSX V6 5AT: 18 mpg city/27 mpg highway
You'll Like
- Slick shifting manual
- High quality interior
- The styling, perhaps
- Trim dimensions
You Won't Like
- V-6 Torque steer
- V-6 only available with automatic transmission
Sum Up
Acura apes Europe surprisingly well 2011 Acura ZDX Review
2011 Acura ZDX Review
Overview
The Acura ZDX looks like a chopped-top, backswept version of the Acura MDX. The ZDX hosts a 3.7-Liter V-6 motor under the hood joined to a 6-speed automatic gearbox, just like the MDX. The car also sports the Super Handling All Wheel Drive by Acura too. The primary difference between the two cars is that the MDX has a three-row, seven-seater configuration, and it is bigger than the ZDX since the latter seats two passengers and has limited cargo space.While the ZDX sports as many as five seatbelts, do not let that fool you; the second-row of seating is somewhat cramped leaving enough room for mid-sized children and adults. The cargo capacity is sparse, but the rear seats fold down if you need a bit more cargo room.The ZDX is clearly not a family-oriented vehicle; it is a coupe-like, luxury sedan with superior styling and AWD. A driver and one passenger can be seated comfortably inside. This car is ideal for the car buyer that doesn't desire a wagon configuration, and the ZDX competes against sporty BMWs.
The Range
Body Style: Crossover
Engines: 3.7L V-6
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Model: ZDX, ZDX with Technology Package, ZDX with Advance Package
Engines: 3.7L V-6
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Model: ZDX, ZDX with Technology Package, ZDX with Advance Package
What's New
The ZDX is Acura's all-new crossover luxury vehicle and blends coupe-like styling and driving dynamics with the versatility of an SUV. Conceived by Acura's first female designer, the sharp ZDX flaunts sweeping curves and dramatic angularity, in addition to an all-glass panoramic roof from that is said to be the longest continuous glass surface in the automotive industry.
Exterior
Deeply drawn body panels, bold wheel arches, and concealed door handles make it almost possible to forget about the nose – although the chiseled grille works well here. The ZDX is one of Acura's boldest statements to date.
Interior
Satin alloy trim, loop pile carpeting and a broad expanse of leather across the dash are dramatic flourishes to this otherwise typical Acura interior. Cargo capacity is heavily compromised, rivaling that of a Honda Fit.
Performance & Handling
The ZDX's powertrain is one of Acura's best. All 300 horsepower and 270 pound feet of torque are sent to the ground via an all-new 6-speed automatic. SH-AWD helps this deceptively long coupe carve canyons with surprising aplomb. A tight chassis and finely resolved electric power steering conspire to make this the best handling SUVesque vehicle Acura has ever made.
Safety
ZDX comes standard with the following: Advanced Compatibility Engineering body structure, dual-stage mutiple-threshold front air bags, 4-wheel anti-lock braking system with Electronic Brake Distribution, Brake Assist Vehicle Stability Assist with traction control.
EPA Fuel Economy
ZDX: 16 mpg city/23 mpg highway
ZDX with Technology Package: 16 mpg city/23 mpg highway
ZDX with Advance Package: 16 mpg city/23 mpg highway
ZDX with Technology Package: 16 mpg city/23 mpg highway
ZDX with Advance Package: 16 mpg city/23 mpg highway
You'll Like
- Distinctive exterior
- Point 'n' shoot driving dynamics
- High rent interior
You Won't Like
- Exterior possibly too distinct
- Tight back seats
- Limited cargo capacity
Ford Escape 2011
Ford Escape Specifications | |||||||||||
| Engine |
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| 3.0L displacement double overhead cam (DOHC) V6 cylinder configuration gas engine 24 valves 201 hp @ 5900 rpm 196 ft-lbs. @ 4700 rpm regular unleaded fuel | |||||||||||
| DriveTrain | |||||||||||
| 4-speed automatic transmission front wheel drive four-wheel independent suspension front stabilizer bar | |||||||||||
| Exterior Features | |||||||||||
| alloy rims 16 x 7.5 in. rims P235/70R16 tires all season tires spacesaver spare tire steel spare wheel inside mounted spare tire variable intermittent wipers privacy glass roof rack rear defogger rear window wiper SUV / Minivan Doors flip-up liftgate window rear liftgate door | |||||||||||
| Safety | |||||||||||
| ventilated front disc / rear drum brakes 4-wheel ABS front side-mounted airbags front seatbelt pretensioners rear door child safety locks child seat anchors rear center lap belt 2 front headrests 2 rear headrests remote anti-theft alarm system engine immobilizer auto delay off headlamps front fog lights | |||||||||||
| Front Seats | |||||||||||
| 5 person total seating capacity bucket front seats leather upholstery 6-way power driver seat heated driver seat heated passenger seat | |||||||||||
| Rear Seats | |||||||||||
| split-bench rear seat split-folding rear heating ducts | |||||||||||
| Power Features | |||||||||||
| remote power door locks power windows 1 one-touch power windows power mirrors heated mirrors | |||||||||||
| Convenience | |||||||||||
| cruise control power steering tilt-adjustable steering wheel cruise controls on steering wheel front and rear cupholders front door pockets front seatback storage front 12v power outlet(s) front console with storage retained accessory power | |||||||||||
| Comfort | |||||||||||
air conditioning electrochromatic inside rearview mirror front reading lights dual illuminating vanity mirrors leather-wrapped steering wheel front and rear floor mats cargo area light | |||||||||||
| Performance | |||||||||||
| Base Number of Cylinders: 6 Base Engine Size: 3 liters Base Engine Type: V6 -1 Horsepower: 201 hp Max Horsepower: 5900 rpm Torque: 196 ft-lbs. Max Torque: 4700 rpm Maximum Payload: 978 lbs. Maximum Towing Capacity: 2000 lbs. Drive Type: FWD Turning Circle: 35.4 ft. | |||||||||||
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| Check back periodically for the latest Ford Escape review information and specs which we update monthly. | |||||||||||
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