Category Archives: Auto Reviews

Smaller ‘fist’ powers Ford Expedition EL

The 2015 Ford Expedition EL rides high on 22-inch wheels. (Bud Wells photo)
The 2015 Ford Expedition EL rides high on 22-inch wheels. (Bud Wells photo)

Liken it to a bruiser of a heavyweight hitting harder with a smaller fist – it’s the refreshed third generation of the Ford Expedition EL. Gone is V-8 power, replaced with the awesome EcoBoost V-6.

By virtue of its size, the 2015 Expedition is the reddest of a string of red vehicles I’ve been driving recently. The Ford’s ruby red finish is actually a deeper red than the others – the flame red of a Ram 1500 EcoDiesel, the tornado red of the Volkswagen Sportwagen, the Melbourne red metallic of the BMW X6M, the milano red of the Honda HR-V and the rally red of the Mitsubishi Outlander.

None of those compare with it in size.

Based on the Ford F-150 pickup, the full-size SUV was introduced in 1996, then the extended-length EL was added in 2007 to replace the big Excursion, which had been discontinued two years previously.

The Expedition is in demand this summer; its sales increased 46 percent in July and the larger EL represents 44 percent of overall Expedition sales, according to Mike Grammes, Ford sales operations manager for the Denver region.

The 2015 Excursion EL, on a wheelbase of 131 inches, is 220.8 inches in length, stands almost 78 inches in height and weighs a whopping 6,103 pounds. And it rides high on 22-inch wheels, with Pirelli Scorpion 285/45R22 tires.

So, it is big. Open the huge hood, though, and there sits a relatively small V-6 engine in the wide-open underhood space.

Armed with the direct-injected, 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V-6 engine churning out 365 horsepower and 420 lb.-ft. of torque, Ford discontinued Expedition’s use of the 5.4-liter V-8, which generated lesser ratings of 310-hp and 365 lb.-ft.

Only a moment’s hesitation precedes the thrust of EcoBoost power that so adequately carries the three-ton SUV to greater heights. The huge gain in torque reading registers higher-gear cruises. The V-6 is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters.

The Expedition EL averaged 17 miles per gallon and on a straight highway run will approach 19 or 20. A few months back, I averaged 17.3 with the like-sized Lincoln Navigator, equipped with a similar EcoBoost V-6.

The new Expedition uses fewer amounts of chrome in its restyled headlamps, grille and front bumper.

Inside, the modern, comfortable cabin boasts roominess, even in its third-row seating. Ford’s voice-activated Sync system lends opportunity for calls, music and driving directions, with Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, CD player, satellite radio, iPod/USB and rear audio controls.

The body-on-frame SUV offers up to 9,200 pounds of tow capacity.

A sticker price of $68,090 is an indication of how well-equipped is the Platinum edition of the Expedition EL. A few of the long list of plush accommodations are the 22-inch wheels, power running boards, power moonroof, navigation, heated front and second-row seats and cooled front seats, rearview camera, power liftgate, blind-spot information system and dual-zone electronic automatic climate control.

Ford dealers in the Denver region last month recorded their best August sales in nine years on strong demand for F-series trucks, SUVs and crossovers.

Here are the specifications for the ’15 Ford Expedition EL 4X4:

  • Capacity 8-passenger crossover
  • Wheelbase 131 inches
  • Length 220.8 inches
  • Width 78.8 inches
  • Height 77.7 inches
  • Curb Weight 6,103 pounds
  • Track 67 inches front, 67.2 rear
  • Ground Clearance 8.3 inches
  • Turn Circle 44 feet
  • Drivetrain Four-wheel-drive
  • Engine 3.5-liter twin-turbo V-6
  • Horsepower/Torque 365/420
  • Transmission 6-speed automatic
  • Steering electric power-assist rack-and-pinion
  • Suspension independent coil-over-shock front, multilink rear
  • Fuel mileage estimate 14/20
  • Fuel mileage average 17
  • Fuel Tank 33.5 gallons, regular
  • Wheels 22-inch
  • Tires Pirelli Scorpion 285/45R22
  • Cargo Volume 42.6 cubic feet
  • Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles basic, 5/60,000 powertrain

Competitors Chevrolet Suburban, Nissan Armada, Toyota Sequoia

Assembly Plant Louisville, Ky.

Parts Content N.A.

Base Price of Lowest Model $56,830; Base Price of Review Model $64,320; Destination Charge $1,195; Sticker Price $68,090.

Dodge Durango offers V-6 or Hemi power

A crosshair grille identifies the 2015 Dodge Durango Citadel AWD. (Bud Wells photo)
A crosshair grille identifies the 2015 Dodge Durango Citadel AWD. (Bud Wells photo)

A crosshair grille identifies the 2015 Dodge Durango Citadel AWD. (Bud Wells photo)

The all-wheel-drive version of the 2015 Dodge Durango Citadel carried me through a varied mix of driving duties recently, performing smoothly with a 295-horsepower, 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine and 8-speed automatic transmission. The 8-speed is controlled from a rotary dial shifter on the center console, with paddle-shift capability from the steering wheel.

The Citadel is the Durango’s upper-end model, has been since its introduction in 2011. Other levels are the basic SXT, the SXT Plus, Limited and performance R/T.

Notable for its crosshair grille, the Durango is built on the same platform as the Jeep Grand Cherokee, though it is a foot longer in overall length to provide three rows of seating.

Though pricing for an SXT with all-wheel drive starts at around $35,000, the amenities-loaded Citadel I drove showed a sticker price of $49,875.

Among the many niceties are Uconnect 8.4 audio/Bluetooth touchscreen display with navigation, backup camera, remote start, rain-sensitive windshield wipers, heated and ventilated leather front seats and heated steering wheel, three-zone air conditioning, power sunroof, automatic high-beam headlamp control, power liftgate, capless fuel filler, adaptive cruise control, advanced brake assist, blind-spot detection and rear-seat video system.

The Durango rides on 20-inch wheels, with Goodyear Fortera 265/50R20 tires. Cargo space is only 17.7 cubic feet behind the third row of seats; fold them, though, and it expands to almost 48 feet.

The V-6-powered Durango averaged 20.4 miles per gallon of regular fuel.

The alternative engine for the Durango is a 360-hp, 5.7-liter Hemi V-8.

Here are the specifications for the ’15 Dodge Durango Citadel AWD:

  • Capacity 7-passenger SUV
  • Wheelbase 119.8 inches
  • Length 201.2 inches
  • Width 75.8 inches
  • Height 70.9 inches
  • Curb Weight 5,097 pounds
  • Track 63.9 inches front, 64.1 rear
  • Ground Clearance 8.1 inches
  • Turn Circle 37.1 feet
  • Drivetrain All-wheel-drive
  • Engine 3.6-liter V-6
  • Horsepower/Torque 295/260
  • Transmission 8-speed automatic
  • Steering power rack and pinion
  • Suspension independent sport-tuned front, multilink rear
  • Fuel mileage estimate 17/24
  • Fuel mileage average 20.4
  • Fuel Tank 24.6 gallons, regular
  • Wheels 20-inch
  • Tires Goodyear Fortera 265/50R20
  • Cargo Volume 17.2 cubic feet
  • Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles basic, 5/100,000 powertrain

Competitors Ford Explorer, GMC Yukon, Chevrolet Tahoe, Toyota 4Runner, Honda Pilot, Volkswagen Touareg

Assembly Plant Brampton, Detroit, Mich.

Parts Content U.S./Canadian 67%, Mexico 16%

Base Price of Lowest Model $39,495; Base Price of Review Model $43,595; Destination Charge $995; Sticker Price $49,875.

’15 Chrysler 300S cruises to Gunnison

 

The 2015 Chrysler 300S in Gunnison. (Jan Wells photos)
The 2015 Chrysler 300S in Gunnison. (Jan Wells photos)

Descending the west side of Monarch Pass on U.S. 50 toward Gunnison, I locked the transmission in 3rd gear for more controlled slowdown in the 2015 Chrysler 300S, braking only occasionally in a tight line of seven cars and trucks.

The Chrysler’s rotary dial shifter on the center console, in sport mode, can be set in any gear; left to its normal mode it will, of course, automatically shift up and down through the 8-speed automatic transmission. The electronic shifter is tied to a fuel-efficient 3.6-liter V-6 engine.

Rotary dial shifter is in center console beneath Chrysler 300S’s center stack.
Rotary dial shifter is in center console beneath Chrysler 300S’s center stack.

The full-sized sedan carried us into Gunnison for the annual Gunnison Car Show. The community of 7,000 population is surrounded by beauty, look any direction. That makes it one of the finest car-show settings in the country.

We were there to help in presentation of the prestigious Lee Iacocca Award to Keith Martin of Portland. He’s producer of the tv show, “What’s My Car Worth,” publisher of two car magazines and a major car collector, and was selected for this year’s honor at Gunnison.

As Lee Iacocca has passed the 90-year mark, the Iacocca Foundation has called an end to the yearly award presentation. This is the award’s final year.

I received the Iacocca award at Gunnison in 2012, and, for this reason, was invited back last week to assist in the presentation to Martin. In doing so, Martin and I shared the stage with two other Iacocca winners – song writer and car collector Dean Dillon of Nashville and Jim Schmidt, Ocala, Fla., owner of the largest classic car parts operation in the U.S. Dillon received the award in Gunnison last summer and Schmidt, along with his son Rick, was honored in 2011.

Mike Callihan, left, president of the Gunnison Car Club, introduces to his left, Jim Schmidt of Ocala, Fla., Keith Martin of Portland, Bud Wells of Greeley, and Dean Dillon of Nashville, all recipients of the Lee Iacocca Award.
Mike Callihan, left, president of the Gunnison Car Club, introduces to his left, Jim Schmidt of Ocala, Fla., Keith Martin of Portland, Bud Wells of Greeley, and Dean Dillon of Nashville, all recipients of the Lee Iacocca Award.

Iacocca recipients are honored for “dedication to excellence in perpetuating an American automotive tradition.” The award was launched in 2006 in California.

In talking of the award last Saturday, Mike Callihan, president of the Gunnison Car Club, said, “Mr. Iacocca feels the time is right to retire this prestigious award, making it a limited edition.” Callihan, who fell in love with Gunnison when he attended college there more than 40 years ago, for eight years served as Colorado lieutenant governor under Gov. Roy Romer.

Best-known among Iacocca recipients around the country have been Jay Leno, Carroll Shelby and Big Daddy Don Garlits.

Best of Show winner among Saturday’s 400 cars at Gunnison was a 1961 Volkswagen Beetle, owned by Gary and Kathee Thompson of Montrose. It is powered by a Ford 302-cubic-inch V-8 engine, is built on a custom tube frame with a reverse-opening hood.

Their customized 1961 Volkswagen Beetle V-8 brought “best of show” honors to Gary and Kathee Thompson of Montrose.
Their customized 1961 Volkswagen Beetle V-8 brought “best of show” honors to Gary and Kathee Thompson of Montrose.

The redesigned 2015 Chrysler 300S, in all-wheel-drive form, was a standout on the weekend drive. It is available with either the V-6 or the powerful 5.7-liter V-8. The V-6 and 8-speed combination averaged almost 30 miles per gallon for the run to Gunnison and back, somewhat amazing for a sedan this size. In 700 miles of overall driving, including 100 miles of in-town maneuvering, it averaged 26.4 miles per gallon. It burns regular unleaded fuel. The Chrysler uses a capless fuel-filler tube, similar to that installed by Ford several years ago.

The Chrysler 300 was born 60 years ago. To create a credible vehicle for Chrysler’s upgraded 331-cubic-inch Hemi V-8 engine, company designer Virgil Exner placed the front of a ’55 Chrysler Imperial on the body of a ’55 Chrysler Windsor. That Hemi was the first mass-produced American car to reach the 300-horsepower mark, hence, the 300 name. The 300 dominated the NASCAR race circuit with 51 victories in the 1955 and ’56 seasons.

Today, more and more purchasers are opting for the economical V-6 over the Hemi. For us, it handled the climbs with little effort; it is of 300 horsepower and 265 lb.-ft. of torque. I did notice its speed varied considerably in acceleration and deceleration demands of the uneven terrain with the cruise set.

The 3.6-liter V-6 engine is gaining popularity in the 2015 Chrysler 300.
The 3.6-liter V-6 engine is gaining popularity in the 2015 Chrysler 300.

The four-door is roomy as can be, with trunk space for six bags or more. It is of 16.3 cubic feet.

The 300 comes in four trim levels – the Limited, the 300S, the 300C and the upscale 300C Platinum. The S model we drove comes with

  • dual sport exhaust,
  • the sport driving mode and shift paddles,
  • remote start,
  • black-out styling elements,
  • foglights,
  • sport front bucket seats,
  • a rearview camera and
  • a 10-speaker Beats Audio sound system, including subwoofer in the trunk.

The sport mode speeds shifts and firms up the sport suspension; even with that, the 300 is one of the most comfortable sedans in the full-size field. It gets little pitch or roll in curves.

The Chrysler weighs in at 4,235 pounds on a wheelbase of 120.2 inches.

Sticker price on the 300S is $39,560, including the 8.4-inch UConnect display with audio, Bluetooth and navigation.

Though my drive to Gunnison three years ago was in the ultimate – a $120,000 Mercedes-Benz SL550 – this year’s $39,000 Chrysler drew its share of positive comments from showgoers. Several mentioned in particular the jazz blue exterior finish.

Keith Martin of Portland visits with Ron Heberling of Overbrook, Kan., regarding Heberling’s rare 1970 Plymouth Road Runner Super Bird.
Keith Martin of Portland visits with Ron Heberling of Overbrook, Kan., regarding Heberling’s rare 1970 Plymouth Road Runner Super Bird.

 

Complex grille, CVT highlight ’16 Outlander

The 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander outside The Other Side Restaurant in Estes Park. (Bud Wells photo)
The 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander outside The Other Side Restaurant in Estes Park. (Bud Wells photo)

Hitting showrooms several weeks ago, and lending a boost to a brand that is in need, is the 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander.

Its new grille caught my attention when the Outlander 2.4 SEL S-AWC model, with only a few hundred miles on its odometer, rolled into my driveway.

The big grille is shaped somewhat similar to Lexus’ spindle-type front. It, though, has many more parts, a mix of glossy black and chrome slats and bars, some positioned horizontally, some vertically. So many of them that as I continued studying it, I began to wonder what fun it might be to disassemble it, then put it back together. Mitsubishi calls it a “dynamic shield” grille.

The Outlander is a seven-passenger vehicle competing with a field of compact crossovers, most of which use only two rows of seats. A direct competitor, which like the Outlander is designed with three rows, is the Kia Sorento.

A smaller offering for Mitsubishi is the Outlander Sport, which is a foot shorter than the Outlander and is built with only two rows of seating.

A climb up the Big Thompson Canyon was an interesting test for the 3,500-pound Outlander, with its 166-horsepower, 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine. The Outlander’s former 6-speed automatic transmission has been replaced with a continuously variable type. Though the powertrain is not overly responsive, stick your foot into it and it will make the climb up the canyon with relative ease, and its CVT acceleration whine is not as exaggerated as some competitors.

Those continuously variable transmissions are becoming more commonplace (I won’t say popular), as a means for some automakers to increase fuel mileages. Of the past 25 cars I’ve driven and reviewed, about a third of them have been CVT-equipped.

Kathy and Bill Allen rode with us to The Other Side restaurant at lakeside in Estes Park, where we joined Kim Parker and Keith Brumley, Dale and Sandy Wells, Kurt and Tammy Wells and Brent and Tina Wells for Saturday night dinner.

A sport mode setting in the CVT mimicked a lower gear on the descent from Estes to Loveland and the Outlander maintained a nice gait down the canyon, with enough engine braking to avoid following too closely to the heavy traffic ahead. The S mode keeps the revs higher.

The Outlander SEL’s Super-All Wheel Control system, which can shift power between left and right on the front axle with its active front differential, has settings for normal, snow and lock, as well as a mild eco drive.

A retuned suspension and stiffened structure for ’16 have improved the handling of the Outlander, particularly through the preponderance of curves up and down the canyon. It’s a quiet cabin; its ride quality, firmed up with the altered suspension, can turn harsh on uneven road surfaces. A noticeable plus for performance of the Outlander is its relatively short turn circle of less than 35 feet.

A total of 250 miles, including the drive up and down the canyon, and a fairly even split of highway and stop-and-go in-city maneuvering produced an average of 25.1 miles per gallon of regular unleaded fuel.

The new Outlander’s interior has been dressed up with neatly fitted trim pieces, contrast-stitched leather seating surfaces, gloss black instrument panel, and roomy second-row seating with easy-to-fold seats. The third-row seating, though, is cramped beyond use by adults. Cargo space behind the third row is only 10.3 cubic feet; fold the third row and that expands to 33 cubic feet.

The Outlander SEL I drove carried a sticker price of $33,095, including Rockford Fosgate premium audio, navigation, lane-departure warning, rain-sensing wipers, power remote liftgate, power folding heated side mirrors, power sunroof and attractive two-tone 18-inch alloy wheels. Mitsubishi says its seven-passenger crossover is cheapest on the market.

Fifteen years ago, Mitsubishi was still a strong-selling import in the U.S. In the year 2000, Mitsu sold more than 314,000 new vehicles, headed by Galant, Eclipse and Mirage in the car line and the Montero Sport SUV. Mitsubishi’s sales last year were only 77,000.

Here are the specifications for the ’16 Mitsubishi Outlander 2.4 SEL S-AWC:

  • Capacity 7-passenger crossover
  • Wheelbase 105.1 inches
  • Length 184.8 inches
  • Width 71.3 inches
  • Height 66.1 inches
  • Curb Weight 3,494 pounds
  • Track 60.6 inches front, rear
  • Ground Clearance 8.5 inches
  • Turn Circle 34.8 feet
  • Drivetrain All-wheel-drive
  • Engine 2.4-liter 4-cylinder
  • Horsepower/Torque 166/162
  • Transmission Continuously variable
  • Steering electric power
  • Suspension MacPherson strut front, multilink rear
  • Fuel mileage estimate 24/29
  • Fuel mileage average 25.1
  • Fuel Tank 15.8 gallons, regular
  • Wheels 18-inch
  • Tires 225/55R18
  • Cargo Volume 10.3 cubic feet
  • Warranty 5 years/60,000 miles basic, 10/100,000 powertrain

Competitors Kia Sorento, Jeep Cherokee, Mazda CX-5, Hyundai Santa Fe Sport, Dodge Journey

Assembly Plant Okazaki, Japan

Parts Content Japan 100%

Base Price of Lowest Model $21,165; Base Price of Review Model $26,995; Destination Charge $850; Sticker Price $33,095.

Subaru jumps to No. 2 in Colorado

The Outback wagon, this one a 2015 3.6R, has been a popular Subaru model for 20 years. (Bud Wells photo)
The Outback wagon, this one a 2015 3.6R, has been a popular Subaru model for 20 years. (Bud Wells photo)

Small Japanese automaker Subaru surprisingly held second place in new car/truck sales in Colorado for the first six months of this year, leading third-place Ford by only six units, probably Outbacks.

Locked in a tight sales race after six months are Toyota/Scion with 11,939 new car/truck registrations, Subaru with 11,265 and Ford with 11,259, according to the Colorado Automobile Dealers Association.

Subaru generally ranks 9th or 10th nationally in sales. Its almost-100-percent use of all-wheel-drive powertrains has made it a longtime favorite in Colorado, though. Its rise to No. 2 is somewhat remarkable in that it attains the high sales numbers without the benefit of any pickup trucks in its showrooms. Ford, of course, relies greatly on its F150, the biggest-selling vehicle in the country, and Toyota adds volume with its Tacoma and Tundra pickups.

Such a lofty position (No. 2) for Subaru is also a precarious one, for Ford since the six-month totals were announced has posted strong results in the Denver region for July: Among sales increases for Ford were 46 percent for the Expedition, 31 percent for Edge, 21 for Transit Connect, 13 for Explorer and 9 percent for the Fusion midsize sedan, according to Paul Witt of Summit Information Services. The F150 SuperCrew grew 14 percent in July and Super Duty was up 13 percent. So, the race is on to the end of December.

To overtake Ford for the second spot in sales in the past six months, Subaru increased its totals by 1,363 units. Ford, in the same period, gained 554, Toyota 482, Chrysler 441 and GMC 423.

Subaru has replaced its automatic transmissions with continuously variable trannies mated to its boxer engines. The six 2015 Subarus I’ve driven and reviewed this model year have been the Outback, Legacy, Crosstrek, WRX, WRXSTI and the BRZ sports car. I’d have preferred shift-point automatics in them all; the tradeoff for Subaru is improved fuel mileage.

New car/truck registrations increased 5.4 percent in Colorado through June, going from 89,833 in the six months of 2014 to 94,651 in the same period this year.

“By year’s end, Colorado may reach its highest new car/truck registration numbers in a decade,” said Tim Jackson, president of CADA. “The critera driving positive numbers are higher level of consumer confidence, improved job gains, newly emerging technologies in both power source and in-cabin, lower-cost fuel, longer loan terms and lower monthly payments, and easier access to credit for most buyers.”

Compact SUVs, full-size pickups, compact pickups, compact luxury SUVs and full-size crossover SUVs led in market-share gains for the first six months, Jackson said.

The top 10 sellers in Colorado thus far, in order, are Toyota/Scion, Subaru, Ford, Chevrolet, Honda, Jeep, Nissan, Ram, GMC and Hyundai. The top five sellers of luxury cars in Colorado are BMW with 2,120, Lexus with 2,050, Audi with 1,729, Mercedes-Benz 1,523 and Acura 999.

The six-month new car/truck sales for 2015 for Colorado:

 

 

  1. Toyota/Scion                       11,939
  2. Subaru                                   11,265
  3. Ford                                        11,259
  4. Chevrolet                              7.127
  5. Honda                                   6,692
  6. Jeep                                        6,453
  7. Nissan                                    6,101
  8. Ram                                       3,812
  9. GMC                                      3,050
  10. Hyundai                                               2,811
  11. Kia                                          2,779
  12. Volkswagen                          2,574
  13. Dodge                                    2,201
  14. Mazda                                   2,137
  15. BMW                                     2,120
  16. Lexus                                     2,050
  17. Audi                                       1,729
  18. Mercedes                               1,523
  19. Acura                                          999
  20. Chrysler                                      971
  21. Buick                                          888
  22. Infiniti                                         699
  23. Cadillac                                      592
  24. Land Rover                               482
  25. Lincoln                                       436
  26. Mini                                             415
  27. Volvo                                          376
  28. Porsche                                       370
  29. Mitsubishi                                  323
  30. Tesla                                           249
  31. Fiat                                              102
  32. Jaguar                                           47
  33. Smart                                            36

No pairing Chevy Equinox FWD, Cherokee

A roomy interior is feature of the 2015 Chevrolet Equinox. (Bud Wells photos)
A roomy interior is feature of the 2015 Chevrolet Equinox. (Bud Wells photos)

It will be an excellent opportunity, I thought, to directly compare rival, top-selling crossover compacts from two domestic automakers.

The 2015 Chevrolet Equinox would arrive on Monday morning, overlapping by two days my possession of the 2015 Jeep Cherokee Latitude. Side-by-side they’ll sit in my garage.

The ’15 Jeep Cherokee Latitude with granite crystal exterior finish and black interior.
The ’15 Jeep Cherokee Latitude with granite crystal exterior finish and black interior.

They’re among the four best-selling compacts in the crossover category.

They’re near-sized; the Equinox is 5 inches longer in overall length, while the Cherokee is 60 pounds heavier.

Equinox supporters say it is of smoother operation than the Jeep; the Cherokee has a big edge in ruggedness and is “much more outdoorsy,” say Jeep devotees.

My plan of comparison, though, came to an abrupt halt on delivery; it was like skidding on two wheels.

There sat the Chevy Equinox – in front-wheel-drive form.

My word, aren’t SUVs and crossovers sent to Colorado expected to be of all-wheel-drive or four-wheel configuration?

Isn’t that what a big part of Colorado auto testing is all about, lending its rugged terrain to four-wheel maneuvering?

Few front-wheel-drive SUVs are sold here, and the manufacturers most often send their two-wheelers to more-flatland, nicer-weather territory.

However, it’s here with FWD, not AWD, and I’ve not tested an Equinox for several years, so let’s go ahead and crawl into the driver’s seat.

The Equinox offers a roomy cabin, impressively quiet on the highway. Its front-wheel-drive setup was equipped with a less-than-robust 182-horsepower, 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine and a smooth-shifting 6-speed automatic transmission. Optional power is a 301-hp, 3.6-liter V-6.

The 4-cylinder, slow in low-end acceleration, delivered an average of 27.7 miles per gallon in a 50/50 split of city/highway maneuvers. Pressing an Eco button more often might have lifted the efficiency, though the power lack is more evident in that mode.

On a wheelbase of 112.5 inches, with normal-width track of 62.9/62.1 inches, the Equinox is a decent handler; the ride can turn somewhat harsh off the smoother roadways.

Along with navigation, featured in the center stack is the Chevrolet MyLink radio with 7-inch touchscreen, hands-free smartphone integration with Pandora and Stitcher, Bluetooth audio streaming, CD/MP3 and XM satellite.

The Equinox’s rear seat will move 8 inches fore and aft in a tradeoff between legroom for rear-seat passengers and cargo space at the rear of the Chevy. While the Equinox has more rear legroom than does the Jeep, the Cherokee is wider overall in the rear seat.

My attitude on the Latitude (Jeep Cherokee) is that it is one of the premier four-wheel-drive compacts, with dialing capability for terrain settings of automatic, snow, sport or sand/mud. The Cherokee 4-by-4 was equipped with a 3.2-liter V-6 engine with stop/start and a 9-speed automatic transmission. Its fuel-mileage average was 24.1.

Only the headliner is of light-colored finish in the Cherokee Latitude, all the rest of the interior is dark or black. The Jeep Cherokee is offered in trims of Sport, Latitude, Limited and Trailhawk.

Pricetag on the Jeep Latitude was $33,825. I reviewed a Cherokee Limited in budwells.com two months ago.

The Chevy Equinox, in its FWD form, was reasonably priced at $27,805, including rear vision camera and power windows/locks/mirrors, in addition to aforementioned amenities.

Here are the specifications for the ’15 Chevrolet Equinox FWD:

  • Capacity 5-passenger crossover
  • Wheelbase 112.5 inches
  • Length 187.8 inches
  • Width 72.5 inches
  • Height 66.3 inches
  • Curb Weight 3,758 pounds
  • Track 62.9 inches front, 62.1 rear
  • Ground Clearance 6.9 inches
  • Turn Circle 40 feet
  • Drivetrain Front-wheel-drive
  • Engine 2.4-liter 4-cylinder
  • Horsepower/Torque 182/172
  • Transmission 6-speed automatic
  • Steering rack-mounted electric power
  • Suspension strut front, multilink rear
  • Fuel mileage estimate 22/32
  • Fuel mileage average 27.7
  • Fuel Tank 18.8 gallons, regular
  • Wheels 17-inch
  • Tires Michelin Latitude P225/65R17
  • Cargo Volume 31.5 cubic feet
  • Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles basic, 5/100,000 powertrain

Competitors Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Nissan Rogue, Kia Sportage

Assembly Plant Ingersoll, Ontario, Canada

Parts Content U.S./Canadian 65%,

Base Price of Lowest Model $22,995; Base Price of Review Model $26,170; Destination Charge $875; Sticker Price $27,805.

BMW X6 ties into M-badge might

The 2015 BMW X6 M in Sunshine Canyon area near Masonville. (Bud Wells photos)
The 2015 BMW X6 M in Sunshine Canyon area near Masonville. (Bud Wells photos)

My first drive of the BMW X6 was in the early summer of 2008. It was mechanically superb, as you’d expect from a Bimmer, delivered a comfortable ride and, with a sloped back, was somewhat of an odd-looker.

I had seen the X6 at the Detroit auto show in January ’08, then took another look when it showed up at the Denver Auto Show two months later. At that time, I asked Karen Silveri, a BMW official, if I might drive it. “Probably not,” she said, “since it will be rushed to Phoenix immediately following the Denver show.” She said maybe she could give me a short ride in it. “Probably not,” I said, and waited for one to be delivered to me in June. It was worth the wait.

Seven years later, an M-badged variant of the X6 has come my way. Still the same “like it or not” styling, though this one is absolutely amazing in performance. To many observers, the M badge is a clear giveaway that the car is something special. It is three stripes of red, light blue and dark blue and the letter M.

The M represents M GmbH, a subsidiary of German manufacturer BMW, which develops specially modified higher-trim models. These include high-powered engines and modifications to transmissions, suspensions, exteriors and interiors.

For the 2015 BMW X6 M that means 567 horsepower and 553 lb.-ft. of torque from a twin-turbocharged, 4.4-liter V-8 with direct injection and variable valve control. It’s the most power ever produced for the X6 or X5, on which the 6 is based.

Mated to all that performance is a new 8-speed automatic transmission with sport and manual modes, paddle shifters on the steering wheel and launch control. Separate buttons will alter quickness of the steering, firmness of the suspension and throttle response of the engine from comfort to sport to sport plus levels.

The X6 M’s driver controls include new 8-speed automatic transmission.
The X6 M’s driver controls include new 8-speed automatic transmission.

The X6 rides on a wide track of 65.6 inches and is equipped with xDrive, BMW’s all-wheel-drive system, tuned to M requirements. I’ve long rated the X5 as one of the most capable snow- and ice-driving vehicles and the X6 is equal to those conditions.

The X6 M follows by only a month the testing of the 707-horsepower Dodge Charger Hellcat; I honestly could tell little difference in the acceleration rates of the two. Both are awe-inspiring. The Hellcat’s 707 horsepower, the 2010 Bentley Continental Supersports AWD Coupe with 622 and a 2012 Chevy Camaro ZL1 with 580 are the only models I’ve tested that have exceeded the 567 of the X6.

The X6 M review model is finished in melbourne red metallic paint, with special, pricey 21-inch wheels and big 15-inch brakes. It averaged 17.9 miles per gallon of premium fuel.

Wheels are 21-inch on the X6 M.
Wheels are 21-inch on the X6 M.

Attractive inside are silverstone white merino leather seats and armrests; most often German-built products show up with much darker interiors. The dash is of stitched leather and the headliner of anthracite alcantra. Even with a tall structure and its overall length of almost 194 inches, the rear-seat legroom and headroom are somewhat tight. Cargo space behind the rear seat is 26.6 cubic feet.

A Harmon Kardon surround-sound audio system and navigation, with iDrive control, dominate a 10.2-inch touchscreen display.

Though a well-equipped X6 model can be bought in the $70,000 range, the M-specialties send sticker price for the ’15 X6 M four-door to $109,950. That included side/top view/rear view cameras, active cruise/blind-spot detection/lane-change alert, front heated and ventilated seats/rear heated, thigh-extended front seats, four-zone climate control and soft-close automatic doors.

The M package ties the powerful X6 closely to its home base in Germany; the crossover, however, is assembled in Spartanburg, S.C.

Here are the specifications for the ’15 BMW X6 M:

  • Capacity 5-passenger sedan
  • Wheelbase 115.5 inches
  • Length 193.8 inches
  • Width 78.3 inches
  • Height 66.5 inches
  • Curb Weight 5,185 pounds
  • Track 65.6 inches front, rear
  • Ground Clearance 8.1 inches
  • Turn Circle 42 feet
  • Drivetrain Allt-wheel-drive
  • Engine 4.4-liter twin-turbo V-8
  • Horsepower/Torque 567/553
  • Transmission 8-speed automatic
  • Steering electric-assist rack-and-pinion
  • Suspension Independent double wishbones front, multilink rear
  • Fuel mileage estimate 14/19
  • Fuel mileage average 17.9
  • Fuel Tank 22.4 gallons, premium
  • Wheels 21-inch
  • Tires Michelin Pilot Super Sport 285/35ZR21 front, 325/30ZR21 rear
  • Cargo Volume 26.6 cubic feet
  • Warranty 4 years/50,000 miles basic, powertrain

Competitors Mercedes-Benz ML63AMG, Porsche Cayenne Turbo, Audi RS7, Range Rover Sport SVR

Assembly Plant Spartanburg, S.C.

Parts Content U.S./Canadian 10%, Germany 65%

Base Price of Lowest Model $102,100; Base Price of Review Model $102,100; Destination Charge $950; Sticker Price $109,950.

Subaru’s 2015 BRZ twin dresses in blue

Handling, steering add fun to drive of 2015 Subaru BRZ. (Bud Wells photos)
Handling, steering add fun to drive of 2015 Subaru BRZ. (Bud Wells photos)

A couple things to know about the BRZ sports car: It’s Subaru’s only model that isn’t all-wheel drive (it is of rear-wheel-drive power), and it is also the only slow-selling Subaru in Colorado.

Rear drive; slow sell; oh,well – the agility and maneuverability from its small stature make it one of the more fun cars to drive anywhere.

The BRZ is Subaru’s half of a split of twin models with Scion, which calls its little one the FR-S. The two cars were designed and developed jointly by Subaru and Toyota (Scion’s parent).

The BRZ looks the part of a sports car, from its low-slung front to a busy rear end featuring a carbon fiber wing and dual exhausts.

The BRZ sports a busy rear end.
The BRZ sports a busy rear end.

Inside are two well-bolstered sport seats (heated and cooled), and a rear seat that is squeezed into such tight quarters that only an infant might rest back there; no legroom whatsoever. The trunk? Forget it, only 6.7 cubic feet.

Drop into the driver’s side and concentrate on the coupe’s superb cornering, handling and precision steering. Forget the fact its 200-horsepower, 2-liter flat-4 has only moderate acceleration capabilities. The boxer power is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission.

The BRZ’s 2.0-liter boxer engine.
The BRZ’s 2.0-liter boxer engine.

The rear-drive two-door averaged 26.7 miles per gallon; EPA estimate is as high as 30 on the highway.

The BRZ review model carried a designation as Series Blue Edition, which added Subaru STI front, side and side rear underspoilers; 17-inch STI black-finish alloy wheels with red-painted brake calipers; leather and alcantra trim with blue stitching.

All this and it’s affordable, too. Pricetag is $30,285, including among other amenities, side-curtain airbags, AM/FM/CD audio with XM/USB port/Bluetooth, automatic climate control, cruise, power locks/mirrors/windows, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter.

Here are the specifications for the ’15 Subaru BRZ:

  • Capacity 2-passenger sports car
  • Wheelbase 101.2 inches
  • Length 166.7 inches
  • Width 69.9 inches
  • Height 50.6 inches
  • Curb Weight 2,824 pounds
  • Track 59.8 inches front, 60.6 rear
  • Ground Clearance 4.9 inches
  • Turn Circle 35 feet, 4 inches
  • Drivetrain Rear-wheel-drive
  • Engine 2.0-liter flat-4-cylinder
  • Horsepower/Torque 200/151
  • Transmission 6-speed automatic
  • Steering electric power
  • Suspension sport-tuned front strut, rear double wishbone
  • Fuel mileage estimate 22/30
  • Fuel mileage average 26.7
  • Fuel Tank 13.2 gallons, premium
  • Wheels 17-inch
  • Tires Michelin 215/45R17
  • Cargo Volume 6.9 cubic feet
  • Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles basic, 5/60,000 powertrain

Competitors Scion FR-S, Mazda Miata, Mini Cooper S

Assembly Plant Ota, Gunma, Japan

Parts Content Japan 85%

Base Price of Lowest Model $27,695; Base Price of Review Model $27,695; Destination Charge $795; Sticker Price $30,285.

VW Golf SportWagen 4th in light diesels

Tornado red finish drew attention to 2015 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen TDI. (Bud Wells photo)
Tornado red finish drew attention to 2015 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen TDI. (Bud Wells photo)

A surprisingly good, comfortable ride and responsive steering are attributes quickly noticeable aboard the 2015 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen TDI.

The added turbodiesel power moves it even higher in both performance and phenomenal fuel mileage, which should lend longer-lasting satisfaction to its ranks of owners.

Tiny paddleshifters, easy to use and of good fit with the steering wheel, offer enhanced use of the turbo, whether better matchup of gear and torque or in downshifting for improved grip on cornering.

The 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder TDI engine and 6-speed automatic transmission experience a lag on takeoff; once the turbo kicks in, though, it develops all the acceleration necessary.

The SportWagen is a popular addition to the Golf line.

The VW Golf SportWagen TDI was fourth best-seller in June among light-duty diesels. The top 10 light-duty diesels for June were Ram 1500 pickup 5,050; VW Passat 2,489; VW Jetta 1,852; VW Golf SportWagen 1,506; VW Golf 955; Audi Q5 462; BMW X5 422; Audi Q7 360; Chevrolet Cruze 350 and VW Touareg 328.

The leaders for the first six months of the year are the Ram 1500 with29,658 sales; VW Passat 11,746; VW Jetta 11,692; VW Golf 4,989; VW Golf SportWagen 3,940; BMW X5 3,265; Audi Q5 2,544; Porsche Cayenne 2,159; Mercedes-Benz GL Class 1,938 and Chevrolet Cruze 1,920.

The Golf SportWagen delivered to me was a “can’t miss” color – tornado red.

In a wide variety of drives, including some curvy country roads to test its handling and cornering, it averaged 38.9 miles per gallon of clean diesel fuel. Its EPA estimate is from 31 to 42 mpg.

Sticker price on the ’15 Golf amounted to $26,515, including the diesel power and leatherette seating.

Among other standard items are heated foldable power adjustable side mirrors; variable intermittent front windshield wipers; cooled glove compartment; touchscreen AM/FM/CD radio with MP3, SiriusXM and Bluetooth; cruise control; trip computer and front and rear head-impact airbags.

The front-wheel-drive SportWagen rides on Continental ProContact 205/55R16 tires. Its parts content included 45 percent from Germany, 25 percent Mexico and 5 percent U.S. The wagon is expected to be offered with 4Motion (all-wheel drive) within the next two years.

Here are the specifications for the ’15 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen TDI:

  • Capacity 5-passenger wagon
  • Wheelbase 103.7 inches
  • Length 179.6 inches
  • Width 70.8 inches
  • Height 58.3 inches
  • Curb Weight 3,246 pounds
  • Track 61 inches front, 61 rear
  • Ground Clearance 5.5 inches
  • Turn Circle 35 feet, 8 inches
  • Drivetrain Front-wheel-drive
  • Engine 2.0-liter 4-cylinder turbodiesel
  • Horsepower/Torque 150/236
  • Transmission 6-speed automatic
  • Steering electric-boost power
  • Suspension strut front, multilink rear
  • Fuel mileage estimate 31/42
  • Fuel mileage average 38.9
  • Fuel Tank 13.2 gallons, clean diesel
  • Wheels 16-inch
  • Tires Continental ProContact 205/55R16
  • Cargo Volume 30.4 cubic feet
  • Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles basic, 5/60,000 powertrain

Competitors Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid, Toyota Prius V, Ford C-Max Hybrid

Assembly Plant Puebla, Mexico

Sticker Price $26,515.

‘16 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid tops sales lull

Hyundai Sonata Hybrid uses ‘blue drive’ for 2016. (Bud Wells photo)
Hyundai Sonata Hybrid uses ‘blue drive’ for 2016. (Bud Wells photo)

A bright light (blue, of course) amid dismal sales reports for hybrid automobiles is the six-month report of the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, spurred by its regenerated 2016 model.

Hyundai’s “blue drive system” smooths and quickens the hybrid pulse with a new 2.0-liter engine and electric motor (tied to a 6-speed automatic transmission), a lighter lithium-ion polymer battery pack, stop-start capability, redesigned brakes and an especially low drag coefficient.

The new one delivers an EPA miles-per-gallon rating of 39 city and 43 highway, up 3 mpg from the 36/40 rating of a Hyundai hybrid I drove a couple of years ago. Kick in its sport mode for increased throttle and tighter steering and it performs beyond the standards of other hybrids.

Hybrid sales, overall, are down 18 percent in the U.S. in 2015. As gas prices remain below $3 per gallon, consumer focus is heavier toward pickups, SUVs and crossovers.

Of the 15 top-selling hybrids, all except the new Sonata have suffered sizable slips in sales for the past six months.

Sales for the perennial leader Toyota Prius Liftback hybrid have declined by 14 percent over the same period a year ago. Even sharper hybrid losses are 39 percent for the Ford Fusion, 30.5 for the Lincoln MKZ, 30 for Toyota Avalon, 28.5 for Toyota Camry, 28.2 for Lexus ES and 24.3 for Lexus RX450h.

The Sonata, on the other hand, since January has sold 11,828 hybrids, compared with 11,349 at this time a year ago, an increase of 4.2 percent.

Against the newness of the hybrid powertrain, Hyundai planners seemed to turn very conservative in their approach to the sedan’s exterior design and finish. It’s all right, but lacks the pizzazz of the past (fluidic sculpture, Hyundai called it).

Once inside, though, a wide, horizontal center stack, lit up in blue lights at night, is gorgeous, rivaling the dash attractions of some of the premium luxury sedans. A roomy back seat and full-length sunroof are other interior features.

The 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder engine, mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission, is rated at 154 horsepower and 140-lb.-ft. of torque. With the addition of the electric motor, combined hybrid output is 193 horsepower for the front-wheel-drive four-door. Hyundai believes its automatic transmission gives it an edge in performance over those competitors which are equipped with continuously variable transmissions.

The hybrid battery pack is hidden beneath a flat trunk floor, which leaves 13.3 cubic feet of cargo space. The available storage would be even smaller, except for the fact there is no spare tire in the trunk. It has a tire mobility kit with small air compressor and canister of liquid sealant in case of flat.

The “smart trunk” opens automatically if the driver, with Proximity Key in a pocket, moves within 3 feet of the back of the vehicle for more than 3 seconds.

The ’16 Sonata Hybrid I drove was the Limited trim level, which added leather seats (heated and cooled in front and heated in rear), lane-departure and forward-collision warning systems, smart cruise control, navigation with 8-inch touchscreen display and Infinity surround sound.

Sticker price on the Hyundai is $35,765.

Also offered for the Hyundai is a plug-in electric hybrid, which, Hyundai claims, can run 24 miles on electric-only driving before the gas engine is needed.

The top 20 sellers of hybrids for the first six months of the year are Toyota Prius Liftback with 54,173; Toyota Prius C 18,921; Toyota Camry 15,571; Toyota Prius V 14,165; Ford Fusion 12,683; Hyundai Sonata 11,828; Ford C-Max 7,640; Lexus CT200h 7,123; Honda Accord 6,407; Toyota Avalon 5,671; Kia Optima 5,340; Lexus ES 4,991; Lincoln MKZ 4,180; Subaru XV Crosstrek 3,250; Lexus RX450h 3,185; Buick LaCrosse 2,707; Honda Civic 2,264; Infiniti Q50 2,040; Toyota Highlander 1,758 and Honda CR-Z 1,292.

Here are the specifications for the ’16 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid:

  • Capacity 5-passenger sedan
  • Wheelbase 110.4 inches
  • Length 191.1 inches
  • Width 73.4 inches
  • Height 57.9 inches
  • Curb Weight 3,560 pounds
  • Track 63.1 inches front, 63.3 rear
  • Ground Clearance 5.3 inches
  • Turn Circle 35.6 feet
  • Drivetrain Front-wheel-drive
  • Engine 2.0-liter 4-cylinder
  • Horsepower/Torque 154/140
  • Motor 270v electric
  • Transmission 6-speed automatic
  • Steering power rack-and-pinion
  • Suspension MacPherson strut front, multilink rear
  • Fuel mileage estimate 39/43
  • Fuel mileage average 39.8
  • Fuel Tank 15.85 gallons, regular
  • Wheels 17-inch
  • Tires Kumho Solus 215/55R17
  • Cargo Volume 13.3 cubic feet
  • Warranty 5 years/60,000 miles basic, 10/100,000 powertrain

Competitors Toyota Camry Hybrid, Ford Fusion Hybrid, Toyota Prius Liftback

Assembly Plant Asan, Korea

Parts Content U.S./Canadian 1%, Korea 91%

Base Price of Lowest Model $27,500; Base Price of Review Model $30,100; Destination Charge $825; Sticker Price $35,765.