Automotive
By Lary Coppola
It seems rare that in my normal rotation of vehicles to review, I get a convertible in warm sunny weather.
By Lary Coppola
The 2014 Ram 1500 is the first half-ton pickup to offer a modern, clean diesel engine as an option (a light-duty diesel was offered by Dodge previously), and it has Ram marketeers relentlessly chanting the mantra, “28 miles per gallon” with religious fervor. read more »
In China, owning a Buick is a status symbol akin to owning a Mercedes, BMW, Infiniti, Audi, etc., in the U.S. I’ve actually never quite understood why. However, driving the 2014 Buick Regal reconfirmed what I already knew after driving the entire Buick lineup more than once over the past couple of years — they’re much better cars now, than at any other time in my life. read more »
Volkswagen’s new advertising slogan debuted at the 2014 World Cup competition, promoting what VW marketeers say is the most important car in its lineup — the 2015 Volkswagen Golf. This is the seventh generation of the most successful European car of all time — the car that replaced the legendary Beetle. read more »
By Lary Coppola
For the KPBJ
The venerable Toyota Corolla has enjoyed the title of the world’s most popular compact for almost a half-century — 47 years to be exact — with good reason. Since debuting in 1966 as a roller skate-sized compact, Toyota has sold 40 million Corollas worldwide, with continuing strong sales. The 2014 model marks the Corolla’s 11th generation, and its first redesign since 2008. read more »
By Lary Coppola
For the KPBJ
Both an all-new Accord sedan and coupe were introduced last year, and only minor updates have been made for 2014. However 2014 saw the debut of a regular gas/electric hybrid model and a limited-production, plug-in hybrid as well.
The benchmark for this particular market segment — which also includes the Nissan Altima, Ford Fusion, Subaru Legacy and VW Passat — the Accord, much like its main competitor, the Toyota Camry, has also always been considered somewhat mundane. read more »
In just two years, Ford has revolutionized the police vehicle market by equipping many of its Police Interceptor lineup with standard all-wheel drive, which works full-time for greater mobility and security; adding more fuel-efficient EcoBoost® engines; and introducing two new body styles — including a popular utility vehicle. read more »
Driving vehicles that get better gas mileage — whether all-electric cars, hybrids, or regular sedans, pickups and SUVs manufactured to meet higher fuel-efficiency standards — seems obviously beneficial.
However, the positive formula of people buying less gas to drive the same number of miles has a consequence for the public roads system, which is funded and maintained by the per-gallon tax motorists pay at the gas pump. read more »
When the Kia Soul debuted in 2009, it joined the Scion xB and Nissan Cube in that unique market niche defined by the cool factor, funky styling, low prices, and youthful spirit. A mere five years later, we’re watching xB and Cube follow the Honda Element into oblivion. Meanwhile, the Kia Soul continues to enjoy strong sales momentum.
With an eye towards holding on to the hipsters — which seemingly include as many Boomers as Millennials — Kia introduced a new Soul for the 2014 model year that’s been heavily redesigned, with updated styling inside and out, — plus a host of new features. read more »