2011 Mercedes-Benz R-Class

Posted in Car Reviews, Mercedes-Benz on June 14th, 2011


The Mercedes-Benz R-Class is difficult to categorize from its shape, it is not a sedan, not a SUV, neither looks like a wagon. It is larger than a crossover and drives like a sedan. The Mercedes-Benz R-Class has been the roomiest and most comfortable passenger car since it was introduced in 2006. In 2011 Mercedes-Benz R-Class gets some major face-lift, keeping it carrying capabilities almost same.

The 2011 Mercedes-Benz R-Class is offered in two trims, the R350 4MATIC and the R350 BlueTEC 4MATIC. Standard equipment in both iterations includes a sunroof, an AM/FM stereo with 6-disc CD changer, dual-zone automatic climate control, power front seats, faux leather upholstery, a 60/40 split-folding second-row seat, a universal garage door opener, self-leveling rear air suspension, automatic headlights and 18-inch alloy wheels.

Standard safety equipment consists of front side airbags, side-curtain airbags for all three rows, dual front airbags, a tire-pressure monitor, rear park assist, anti-lock brakes with emergency brake assist, active front head restraints, traction control and electronic stability control with trailer stabilization. To help avoid a potential accident the R-Class also comes with Mercede’s Pre-Safe system.

The R350 4MATIC is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 268 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque having fuel economy of 15 mpg in the city and 19 mpg on the highway, while the R350 BlueTEC has a turbocharged 3.0-liter diesel engine that makes 210 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque achieving 18 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. Both engines are paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission. Both versions come standard with Mercedes’ 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system. The 3.5-liter engine reaches Zero to sixty mph in 8 seconds while the 3.0-liter engine takes 8 seconds.

Category › Car Reviews

Title › 2011 Mercedes-Benz R-Class

Inside, the Mercedes-Benz R-Class only thing you wo’nt miss is space and comfort. The second-row seats offer enough headroom and legroom for even tall passengers. The third row is also spacious and comfortable to accommodate two adults without complaint, although the short seat bottoms will limit long-trip comfort. The R-Class is also offers good amount of cargo space. Both the second- and third-row seats fold flat to create a large, 85-cubic-foot cargo area. The Mercedes-Benz R-Class has 42.2 cubic feet of cargo space when the third-row seats are folded. Being a Mercedes R-Class offers smooth and comfortable ride.

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2011 Mazda Mazda2

Posted in Car Reviews, Mazda on June 10th, 2011


When everyone going for green and fuel efficient cars, Mazda came with all new 2011 Mazda 2, Mazda’s first B-segment vehicle for America since the 323. The Mazda 2 is not only comfortable and reliable but it is priced quite aggressively in its segment. But it falls behind when it comes to cargo space or rear seats leg-room.

Mazda 2 is available in two trim level; Sport and Touring. The Sport comes standard with full power accessories, a tilt steering wheel, air-conditioning and a four-speaker CD/MP3 audio system with an auxiliary input jack. Stepping up to the Mazda 2 Touring trim will get you 15-inch alloy wheels, a rear roof spoiler, chrome exhaust tips, fog-lights, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, a trip computer, cruise control, upgraded cloth seats with red piping, and two additional speakers for the audio system.

One can also opt for few optional features like an auto-dimming rearview mirror, Bluetooth, a removable Garmin navigation system and a center console with an armrest.

Standard safety features in the 2011 Mazda 2 include antilock brakes, front-seat side airbags, side curtain airbags and stability and traction control.

Category › Car Reviews

Title › 2011 Mazda 2

The 2011 Mazda 2 is powered by a 1.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine (the only engine option) that produces 100 horsepower and 96 lb-ft of torque. A five-speed manual transmission is standard, and a four-speed automatic is available as optional. The fuel economy is around 29 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway for the manual transmission and 27 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway for the automatic. It can reach zero to 60 mph in 10.3 seconds with the manual.

The interior of the Mazda 2 is compatible with the other cars of this segment. The front seats are relatively comfortable and offer enough room for taller adults but the rear seats lack leg room and looks flat. The Mazda 2 has a relatively small cargo space with capacity of 13.3 cubic feet. With the 60/40-split seats folded the cargo space increases up to 27.8 cubic feet.

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2011 MINI Cooper Countryman

Posted in Car Reviews, MINI on June 6th, 2011

When it was launched the MINI Cooper was the smallest car available in the U.S. It achieved popularity within short period of time despite not being the fastest or most practical car but for being different. In 2011 MINI introduced the Countryman, the first 4-door vehicle from MINI. Compared with the Cooper, the MINI Countryman is much bigger in size, it offers more rear cargo space, more room for passengers.

The 2011 MINI Cooper Countryman is offered in three models: base, S and S ALL4. Standard equipment include tilt/telescoping leather-wrapped steering wheel, air conditioning, cruise control, power windows, power mirrors, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD stereo, auxiliary input jack, trip computer, cooled glove box and 17-inch alloy wheels. The S model adds sport seats and fog lights. There are numbers of other individual optional features available.

Standard safety features include dual front airbags, curtain side airbags, traction control, tire-pressure monitor, anti-lock brakes with brake assist, front side airbags and electronic stability control.

The Countryman is offered with two upgraded versions of the 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine found in the current MINI Cooper and MINI Cooper Clubman. The base model produces 121 horsepower and 118lb-ft of torque having fuel economy of 27mpg in the city and 32mpg on the highway. The Countryman S gets a turbocharged version of the 1.6 that produces 181 horsepower and 188lb-ft of torque achieving 26mpg in the city and 32mpg on the highway. The top of the line S ALL4 gets the same engine but fuel economy goes down to 25mpg in the city and 31mpg on the highway. The S ALL4 model gets MINI’s first all-wheel-drive system.

Category › Car Reviews

Title › 2011 MINI Countryman

Though 2011 MINI Countryman larger than other MINIs, but seats only four because of the two rear bucket seats. The materials used on the dashboard are appropriate for the price. The seats are supportive, and front passengers have plenty of headroom and legroom. There is plenty of room for two adults in back, even behind two larger adults up front. The MINI Countryman offers more driver and passengers storage options, and is offered in two configurations: a one-piece unit that runs the full length of the two seating rows, and a two-piece version with shorter rails front and rear.

There is a decent 18 cubic feet of space in the cargo area. The rear bucket seats do folds down but do not fold flat. With the seats folded the cargo space increases up-to 40 cubic feet.

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2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid

Posted in Car Reviews, Lincoln on June 3rd, 2011


Since the launch Lincoln MKZ Hybrid has overtaken the title of most fuel-efficient luxury hybrid from the Lexus HS 250h. It is not only the most fuel efficient car – it is large in size and has got more luxury features. The Lincoln MKZ Hybrid is available only in one trim, though buyrs can choose from from number of optional features as package. The most notable feature on the KKZ Hybrid is a high-tech Sync system, which features a large, LCD touch-screen interface for operating things such as climate control, entertainment and Bluetooth hands-free calling.

A navigation package is available as option, a blind-spot awareness system and a voice-activated navigation system is a part of the navigation package. Above the navigation package another optional package is available called “ultimate Package”, which adds all the features of navigation package plus a power moonroof, wood-veneer trim, flashy 17-inch chrome wheels and adaptive HID headlights

The 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid is powered by a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine found in the Ford Fusion Hybrid. The 2.5-liter engine and its small electric motor produce a combined 191 horsepower and 136 lb-ft of torque, and the combo puts power to the front wheels via a continuously variable transmission. The Lincoln MKZ Hybrid is only available with front-wheel drive. It achieves an inpressive 41 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway and can reach up to 47 mph on all-electric power without using a drop of gasoline.

Category › Car Reviews

Title › 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid

The 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid is adequately equipped for safe driving. Some of the safety features are four-wheel-disc antilock brakes, side-impact airbags for the front seats and side curtain airbags for both rows, SOS Post-Crash Alert flashes lights and sounds horn. traction control and an electronic stability system as standard. Optional safety features include blind spot warning system and optional backup camera.

The Lincoln MKZ Hybrid has a comfortable cabin specially the high-quality leatherseats wrapped seats. The cabin is quiet, but the sound of the continuously variable transmission can be annoying. The trunk is surprisingly roomy for a hybrid, but because of the narrow opeing loading large objects might be difficult.

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2011 Land Rover Range Rover

Posted in Car Reviews, Land Rover on May 31st, 2011

The Land Rover Range Rover combines luxury, power and offroading ability. There very few SUVs that can match with the new Range Rover when it comes to offroading capability. The 2011 Land Rover Range Rover gets some new features like optional reclining rear seats with winged head restraints, an optional audio system with 19-speakers and new exterior colors. The new Land Rover Range Rover also gets improved hill ascent and hill descent control.

The 2010 Land Rover Range Rover received and an improved engine and interior and the current version carries over these changes. The 2011 Range Rover Base trim (HSE) gets a 5.0-litre V8 engine which makes a decent 375 horsepower and 375 pound-feet of torque. The other trim (Supercharged) generates a an impressive 510 horsepower and 461 pound-feet of torque. Power to the Four Wheel Drive system is delivered through a six Speed Automatic transmission. Fuel economy did not improve over the previous versions and is not that impressive like others features in this vehicle. It achieves 12 mpg in the city and 18 mpg on the highway.

This expensive SUV comes equipped with loads of features including an electronic locking rear differential, a sunroof, tri-zone automatic climate control, an adjustable air suspension, fog-lights, heated windshield and rear window, privacy glass, keyless entry/ignition, heated and power-folding rearview mirrors, front and rear parking sensors, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering column, a rearview camera, automatic xenon headlights with washers, power-adjustable and heated leather front seats, a heated steering wheel, interior wood trim, Bluetooth and a 14-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound audio system. As optional package one can opt for heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats and upgraded leather.

Category › Car Reviews

Title › 2011 Land Rover Range Rover

“Autobiography package” an optional package for the Supercharged adds adaptive front lighting, high-beam assist, adaptive cruise control, heated and ventilated reclining rear seats, a locking rear differential, a heated windshield, blind-spot monitoring, quad-zone automatic climate control, HD radio and a rear-seat entertainment system with six-disc DVD changer.

Safety features in the 2011 Land Rover Range Rover includes antilock brakes, parking sensors, a rearview camera, traction and stability control, front-seat side airbags, side curtain airbags and a driver knee airbag.

The Land Rover Range Rover also provides and optional safety features package called “Vision Assist” which includes blind-spot monitoring, adaptive front lighting, automatic high-beam assist and multi-camera parking assist. There are many other safety features available as standalone option.

When it comes to comfort and practicality it scores high. Both front and rear seats are comfortable with good amount of head and leg space. It has got decent amount of cargo space along with foldable rear seats.

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2011 Lexus CT Hybrid

Posted in Car Reviews, Lexus on May 29th, 2011

The 2011 Lexus CT Hybrid is also called 2011 Lexus CT 200h because it has got only one trim that is 200h, well there is another option too called 200h Premium and the letters CT stands for comfort touring. It is a small beautiful car with lots of high-tech features. As the name suggest, it is highly fuel efficient car but with a switch of a button you can change your setting to less economical sports mode.

The Lexus CT Hybrid uses 1.8-litre four-cylinder gasoline engine providing 134 horsepower and it can reach zero to sixty in 10.4 seconds while a electric motor teamed with an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT). The nickel-metal-hydride battery pack below the rear seat stores charge accumulated from vehicle braking and uses its energy to drive the electric motor. The Lexus CT 200h consumes 4.1 litres/100km of premium unleaded fuel on the combined cycle and emits 95g/km CO2.

This small car is loaded with features, some of the motable features are automatic climate control, maintenance interval indicator, AM/FM/Satellite radio/CD/MP3/WMA sound system with 6 speakers, voice activated controls for bluetooth wireless enabled devices and tilt and telescopic steering column. Safety features include anti-theft alarm, front dual knee airbags, front and rear crumple zones, front and rear side head curtain airbags, drive and passenger dual stage airbag, crash sensor sending GPS signal, safety connect telematics with automatic collision notification, stolen vehicle location, emergency assistance button (SOS) and roadside assistance connectivity.

Category › Car Reviews

Title › 2011 Lexus CT Hybrid

The 2011 Lexus CT Hybrid features MacPherson struts suspension in front and a fully independent, double-wishbone suspension in back which reduce body vibrations and provides pretty comfortable ride.

Front seat can be adjusted multi-ways to make room for tall drivers, there’s enough room in the rear seat for passengers bellow six feet. Loading capacity is 14.3 cubic feet, which is competitive in its calss. C-pillar and rear-seat headrests restricts rear visibility.

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2011 Land Rover LR4

Posted in Car Reviews, Land Rover on May 25th, 2011

Land Rover is known for it’s quality, performance and offroading capabilities and LR4 is no exception. The Land Rover LR4 falls into category of Luxury Midsize SUV with unstoppable off-roading abilities. The LR4 is upgraded version of the LR3 with improved interior, a new engine, and other improvements but its styling remains almost same. The LR4 can accommodate up to seven adults with the optional third row.

The new Land Rover LR4 gets a new 375-horsepower 5.0-liter V8 engine replacing the old 4.4-liter V8 engine. The new 5.0-liter V8 engine makes 375 hp and 375 pound-feet of torque achieving zero to sixty mph in 7.5 seconds and 12 mpg in the ity/17 mpg on the highway. A six-speed automatic transmission is standard which delivers power to a full-time four-wheel-drive system. The driver can select one of five settings that optimizes the engine, transmission and suspension settings according to road conditions. The LR4 gets fully independent suspensions which can be controlled electronically.

Safety features on the 2011 Land Rover LR4 include traction control, stability control, antilock disc brakes, hill descent and gradient control, hill start assist, front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags.

Category › Car Reviews

Title › 2011 Land Rover LR4

The interior has high-end materials and optional high-tech features, like a rear-seat DVD system and a beverage cooler. Other features include power locks, power windows, power mirrors, cruise control, keyless entry, a universal garage door opener, automatic climate control with a dual-zoned front air conditioning system and an AM/FM/CD stereo system. Option of a dual moon roof, a generic sun/moon roof, a panoramic roof, or a sun roof with power slide/tilt also available.

The 2011 Land Rover LR4 has got plenty of passenger and cargo space good for families looking for a vehicle with luxury and offroading ability.

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2011 Kia Rio5

Posted in Car Reviews, Kia on May 24th, 2011


Kia is known for building fuel efficient and feature pack cars, Rio5 in no exception. The Kia Rio5 is five door, five passenger wagon version of Kia Rio sedan with more cabin space and features, though Rio5 is more expensive. It is a fuel-efficient subcompact with a roomy cabin and agile handling. The Kia Rio5 is available in two trim-level, Rio5 LX and Rio5 SX. The Rio5 comes with 10 years or 100,000 miles power-train warranty.

Both the trims are equipped with a standard 1.6-liter inline four-cylinder engine producing 110 horsepower and 107 pound-feet of torque achieving 27-mpg in the city and 36-mpg on the highway. A 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive comes as standard.

The kia rio5 is moderately equipped, standard equipment list include, air conditioning, an audio system with Sirius satellite radio and USB connectivity, tilt and power steering, and split-folding rear seats. As option one can opt for “Power Package” that includes power locks, mirrors, and windows, keyless entry, and heated mirrors. The SX adds sportier suspension, alloy wheels, fog lamps, and a spoiler, plus sport seats, leather trim. A Bluetooth hands-free calling interface is available at extra cost.

Category › Car Reviews

Title › 2011 Kia Rio5

The Kia Rio5 comes equipped with safety features like side-impact airbags, side curtain airbags and child-safety locks. Optional features include antilock brakes with rear discs.

The cabin is specious and comfortable though it lacks rear leg room. The cabin is attractively designed, utilizing decent-quality material, legible gauges and easy-to-use controls. The boot is huge with lots of loading space, with folded rear seats the space increases up-to 49.6 cubic feet.

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