2011 BMW 3 Series Wagon

A wagon is the ideal middle ground between a standard car and an SUV or minivan. It has the cargo carrying capacity, combined with car-like performance. For some, that’s the ideal mix between practicality and attractiveness.

The BMW 3 series is the best sedan car in the world, bar none. Although it pains us to say it, it’s true. The wagon version of the car has almost all of the driving dynamics of the sedan, with a 60 cu-ft carrying capacity thrown in.

We used to call them station wagons, but the Germans don’t like that name, so these are now called, “sports wagons.” While certainly not sporty, they are no slouch either. So we’ll play along with the marketing hype and review the 2011 BMW 3 Series “Sports Wagon.”

Options

There are two models, the 328i or 328i xDrive. Standard equipment on the 328i models includes 16-inch wheels, heated side mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlights, fog lamps, automatic climate control and a 10-speaker sound system with CD player and HD radio

There are of course package options, which are the standard BMW fare of leather upholstery, auto-dimming mirrors, Bluetooth connectivity, BMW Assist telematics, sunroof and power seats with driver memory sports options, keyless entry and other toys.

Engines

There is one engine option, the 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder, which produces 230 bhp and 200 lb-ft of torque. It’s the same engine used in the sedan models and is a very refined motor. Happy to rev, with plenty of low-down power, the six is an ideal entry-level engine for a premium car.

The power is sent to the rear wheels using a six-speed automatic, or a conventional six-speed manual transmission. The xDrive is BMW’s all-wheel drive system which offers more grip and a rear-wheel bias to keep the driving characteristics of the car.

Design

The design of the 2011 BMW 3 Series Wagon has polarized opinion. The front is undoubtedly a handsome piece of work. The rear, not so. The raked sides and bonnet detailing add character to what could be a very bland shape, but the rear is very weak. The light clusters look a little watered down, and the rear view doesn’t reflect the aggressiveness of the front.

That aside, the 3 series has always been a handsome beast, and the 2011 BMW 3 Series Wagon is no different.

Inside, it’s typical BMW. High quality materials put together very well. The classic BMW dashboard remains, with the two analog readouts and the red center information panels, the sweeping line of chrome or carbon across the cabin and the tidy center console.

The seats are soft but supportive, and do a good job of holding you in place as you drive. The electric versions are infinitely adjustable and have a driver memory, so you can always find your position.

Driving

Driving is what the 3 series has always done best. It’s a triumph of engineering that produces a huge line of cars, and allows each one of them to drive without compromise. From the 328i, right up to the M3, these cars all love to drive, and to entertain.

There are no compromises with the wagon. It still handles like a car and drives like one. It handles well, the engine revs freely and produces a smooth power curve all the way to the redline. The suspension is poised, and removes most of the body roll from the proceedings.

The brakes are perfectly capable and stop the car impressively well. Cornering is fun, as the car seems so capable, it almost dares you to push it further. Just remember you might have kids or cargo in the back!

New car deals for BMWs are notoriously difficult to get. In a range that sells so well, there isn’t a lot of leverage to use to force a discount. With Jaguar, Mercedes and Audi all producing good quality wagons, it may be worthwhile playing them off against each other.

Vehicle Type: Sports Wagon
Base Price: $37,150
Engine Type: 6-cylinder straight six
Displacement: 3.0-liters
Power: 230 bhp
Torque: 200 lb-ft
Transmission: 6-speed manual or automatic
Fuel Economy (MFR’S EST): 17/26 mpg (city/hwy)

2011 Chevrolet Cruze

The 2011 Chevrolet Cruze is all new this year, replacing the aged Cobalt. The car marks a return to the major leagues for the manufacturer who spent way too long trailing the crowd. The Cruze now competes well with other market leaders in this segment. It heralds a welcome return to competition for Chevy, and GM as a whole.

Trims and Options

The 2011 Chevrolet Cruze comes in four trims: LS, Eco, LT and LTZ. The LS has 16-inch wheels, OnStar, air-conditioning, eight-way adjustable driver seat, trip computer and a six-speaker stereo with a CD/MP3 player and satellite radio.

The Eco has the same level of equipment as the LS but has better aerodynamics, lightweight alloy wheels, low rolling-resistance tires, smaller fuel tank and some weight saving features.

The LT is actually the 1LT and 2LT. The 1LT comes with a turbocharged engine, chrome wheel covers, color-coded power side view mirrors, floor mats and a one-touch-up driver’s window. The 2LT adds alloy wheels, remote vehicle start, cruise control, leather upholstery, heated front seats, six-way power driver seat, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, a USB/iPod port for the audio system and Bluetooth.

The range-topping LTZ adds 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic climate control, auto-dimming rearview mirror, illuminated vanity mirrors, rear park assist, sports-tuned suspension and four-wheel disc brakes.

The Engines

The standard LS has a 136 bhp 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine. The 1LT, 2LT, LTZ, and Eco use a 138 bhp turbocharged 1.4-liter 4-cylinder engine. Both offer a decent pull despite their small size. Expect the 1.4-liter to be the big seller. An EPA rating of around 24/42 mpg will make it a significant contender while our gas prices keep rising.

A 6-speed manual transmission is standard on the LS and Eco. A six-speed Hydra-Matic 6T40 automatic transmission is optional on those models and standard on the LT and LTZ. The winning combination is going to be the Eco with the auto transmission.

With a 0-60 time of 9.6 seconds for the LTZ, the Cruze won’t be breaking any speed records anytime soon. However, each engine provides a decent amount of power and torque which works well on the road.

Design

The two part Chevrolet grille is a statement piece. It sets the scene for a new car and a new design. The rest of the car looks almost European, with strong lines, solid stance and obvious confidence.

The 2011 Chevrolet Cruze is a good looking car, one that should appeal across the ages. It’s aggressive and confident enough to appeal to a younger market, yet practical and good looking enough not to turn off older buyers.

The interior is also appealing. Chevrolet have upped their game here too. The materials are soft-touch and finished to a high standard. The cabin is well laid out, and everything is within easy reach for the driver. The seats seem a little narrow, which may give larger drivers pause, but otherwise the interior was excellent.

Driving

Both engines seem lively and give enough of themselves to cope with most driving conditions. The suspension setup is MacPherson, which adds great road holding and stability around corners. There is little body roll when cornering at speed, giving you confidence to take it a little quicker next time.

The steering is good, with little play, although not a huge amount of feedback either. It adds to the poise and confident the car brings to the table though.
Road noise has been drastically reduced since the Cobalt. The insulation wasn’t obvious to us, but it was obviously there. The Cruze is now definitely now on par with the competition. It just adds to the driving appeal.

New car deals are likely to be reasonable. The 2011 Chevrolet Cruze is an all-new model and the manufacturer would like a few on the road to generate interest. It’s also a drastic improvement in technology and build-quality, which they would like to publicize. Push for discounts and they should come.

Vehicle Type: Sedan
Base Price: $16,275 – $21,975
Engine Type: 4-cylinder
Displacement: 1.8-liter
Power: 136 bhp
Torque: 123 lb-ft
Transmission: 6-speed automatic or manual
Fuel Economy (MFR’S EST): 26/36 mpg (city/hwy)

2011 Audi A4

The 2011 Audi A4 changes little from its winning formula this year. It sees slightly improved gas mileage, a new Titanium Sport Package, optional eight speed automatic transmission, and a couple of other package changes. When something works, don’t mess with it.

The A4 has been the saving grace for Audi since the late 90s. The model has single-handedly revived the company’s ailing sales figures. It’s a great luxury sedan, with a few compromises and keeps BMW’s 3-series honest.

Engines

Much has been made of Audi sticking with four cylinders when much of the competition has 6. While this may cause concern when looking at performance figures, in the real world, it doesn’t make much difference. A four-cylinder, turbocharged motor producing 211 bhp while returning 31 mpg on the highway is fine in our book.

That’s plenty of power for the average user, and with a 0-60 time of 6.5 seconds is no slouch either. 258 lb-ft of torque is more than enough to haul the family and luggage to the woods for a weekend, especially in Avant (wagon) guise, so there really is nothing to worry about.

Drive is predominantly front-wheel drive, but there is a fantastic four-wheel drive option in the Quattro. There is also FrontTrak, which is an option on the Premium cars, which combines front-wheel drive and CVT.

Trims and Options

The 2011 Audi A4 is available as a sedan or wagon. Both come in Premium, Premium Plus and Prestige trims. Premium has 17-inch alloy wheels, sunroof, cruise control, fog lamps, automatic climate control, eight-way power front seats, leather upholstery, dash-mounted Audi Multi Media Interface (MMI) and a 10-speaker sound system with a CD player and satellite radio. Options on the

Premium include heated front seats, Bluetooth and an iPod interface.
The Premium Plus adds automatic bi-xenon headlights, LED running lights, automatic wipers, three-zone automatic climate control, an auto-dimming mirror and an enhanced trip computer.

The A4 Prestige comes with 18-inch wheels, keyless ignition/entry, driver memory settings, auto-dimming exterior mirrors, the Navigation package and a Bang & Olufsen premium sound system.

Interior

The interior of any Audi is a nice place to be. The 2011 Audi A4 is no different. It’s a hallmark of Audi, and a tradition they continue today. All the materials are of a high quality, finishing is superb, and everything is logically laid out inside. The Audi MMI system can be a bit frustrating, but can soon be learned, or given defaults and left alone.

The cabin is roomy, with plenty of room for front and rear passengers. Legroom is good all round. The seats are comfortable, and are adjustable in the front. Trunk space isn’t great, at 12 cubic-feet, but it’s big enough for groceries or a suitcase.

Drive

The four-cylinder engine has plenty enough to keep up with its 6-cylinder competitors. The turbocharger keeps everything moving along nicely, and is no slouch either. The only downside of it is that it doesn’t sound quite as good as a sixer.

The drive is poised, but comfortable. The suspension does a good job of keeping to the road, body roll is minimal and the brakes are more than up to the task. Upgrading to the Sport package changes things completely. The suspension is firmed up, the ride is lowered slightly, throttle response is improved and the car becomes much more exciting.

New car deals for the 2011 Audi A4 are there if you work hard enough. We have mentioned before that German manufacturers make you work for discounts or upgrades, and Audi are no different. New cars are selling well, so it may be an exercise in perseverance to get anything significant off. Well worth a try though.

Vehicle Type: Sedan or Wagon
Base Price: $32,300 – $34,500
Engine Type: Inline 4-cylinder
Displacement: 2.0-liters
Power (SAE net): 211 bhp
Torque (SAE net): 258 lb-ft
Transmission: six-speed manual transmission CVT
Fuel Economy (MFR’S EST): 21/31 mpg (city/hwy)

2011 Buick Lucerne

The 2011 Buick Lucerne remains largely as it is this year, with only minor trim updates, new audio, and stability control now standard across the range.

The Lucerne is a remnant of the days when motor manufacturers unfortunately seemed to have the “that will do” mind set. It doesn’t really have a place in the modern marketplace any more, not with the significant advances of our other domestic manufacturers.

We understand that the Lucerne is retained in its current guise to please its existing, read ageing, customer base. Brand loyalty is laudable, but are there so many silver Buick owners that it’s worth keeping an entire model for them?
Fortunately, it also shows how Buick are moving forward with their other models.

The LaCrosse and the Regal for example show the brand as a developing one, one that is looking forward instead of resting on old laurels.

Motors

The main engine for the 2011 Buick Lucerne is a 3.9-liter V6 that produces 227 bhp and 237 lb-ft of torque. There is a V8 that powers the “Super” model which produces 292 bhp and 288 lb-ft of torque. The transmission is a four-speed automatic, which is the only option.

In a world where other manufacturers are providing much more power in much smaller engines, and have shifted to six forward gears in their transmissions long ago, this is another example of a dated car. Everybody loves a V8, but they are capable of much more than they deliver here.

Design

The 2011 Buick Lucerne in its current guise looks more like something out of Korea than something we would design in this country. Nonetheless, the design is as inoffensive as it’s possible to be. The exterior is traditional Buick. Long lines, unsubtle corners, no raking or anything remotely exciting. It’s a solid, car-shaped vehicle.

The interior is also showing its age. It’s basic to say the least, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. You can certainly find your way round it quickly enough. Everything is simple, straightforward and easy to use. All the switches are within reach, and there is no iDrive or any computer trickery to confuse the elderly.

The seats are comfortable and supportive. The atmosphere inside the car is serene and relaxed. It would be easy to imagine driving all day, then getting out as refreshed as when you got in.

Trims and Options

The 2011 Buick Lucerne is offered in four trims; CX, CXL, CXL Premium and Super. The base model has 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlamps and fog lamps, heated mirrors, keyless entry, cruise control, cloth upholstery, six-way power front seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, air-conditioning, auto-dimming rearview mirror, OnStar communications and a six-speaker sound system with a CD player.

The CXL adds leather upholstery, heated eight-way power front seats with power lumbar adjustments, driver’s memory settings, heated steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control and Bluetooth.

The CXL Premium adds alloy wheels, driver auto-dimming mirror, lane-departure warning system, blind-spot warning system and a nine-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, remote ignition and rear parking sensors.

The Super trim has the V8 motor, 18-inch alloy wheels, sunroof, adaptive magnetic ride control, magnetic steering, leather/faux-suede upholstery, heated and cooled front seats and a touchscreen navigation system with real-time traffic.

The Experience

The 2011 Buick Lucerne is something of a barge, so don’t expect it to corner too well. The turning circle is huge and without the blind-spot warning system, can be a little difficult to know where everything is around you. The handling leaves a lot to be desired, especially the steering and brakes.

However, those looking for a long distance cruiser, and love the Buick brand, may find a place in their garage for the Lucerne. It’s great on the highway, the ride is smooth and the cabin is relaxed. For interstate driving, the Lucerne does have a place.

New car deals are likely to be plentiful. The Lucerne is years behind the competition and the silver market is only so big. With newer models coming up from all manufacturers, it’s going to have a hard time competing. At almost $30,000, consumers do now expect a bit more for their money.

Vehicle Type: four-door sedan
Base Price: $29,730
Engine Type: V6 or V8
Displacement: 3.9-liters
Power: 227 bhp
Torque: 237 lb-ft
Transmission: 4-speed automatic
Fuel Economy (MFR’S EST): 17/27 mpg (city/hwy)

2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon

The 2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon is hoping to rekindle our love affair with the station wagon after its popularity waned somewhat over the last 20 years. The sport wagon is a new model for the existing TSX line so is brand new. In conjunction with this new body style, all TSX models get slightly better gas mileage, new navigation and better insulation than before.

The TSX has always been a little unremarkable. It’s a solid performer, reliable, practical and always there when you need it. But it doesn’t have flair, or that little something special that makes you love your car. While the 2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon isn’t going to set the world on fire. It is going to offer another option for busy families and those wanting to transport cargo but don’t want an SUV, crossover or van.

Engines

Honda engines are bulletproof, and there’s no reason to think they will be any different here. There are few motors on the market who can beat the Japanese manufacturer for overall reliability. The base model wagon gets a 2.4-liter, 4-cylinder engine that produces 201 bhp and 170 lb-ft of torque. There is also a 3.5-liter V6 that produces 280 bhp and 254 lb-ft of torque. Each is bolted to a 5-speed automatic transmission with shift paddles as standard, with a six-speed manual as an option.

The 2.4-liter engine is okay, but it’s hard to match the meager torque figures with the word sport. It can propel the car from 0-60 in about 8 seconds, which isn’t bad. But to truly live up to the “sport wagon” name, you need the V6.

Matching it to only five forward gears is a curious choice, but decent EPA figures seem to indicate it isn’t as bad as it may seem. At 22/31 mpg city/highway, there is a lot to be said for the frugality of the car.

Design

The external design of the 2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon smacks of the Accord, but a longer roofline. It hints at speed, and looks like it’s moving even when standing still. The inside of the TSX model range has seen something of a tweak for this year. There are still buttons everywhere, but everything has been toned down a little. The center console still has more things to fiddle with than most other cars on the market, and will take some getting used to.

However, the interior is still a nice place to be. The seats are comfortable, visibility is good, everything is within reach and once you have everything positioned how you like it, is an effortless place to be. Head and leg room is plentiful, and even with the raked roof, there is headroom at the back for all.

Cargo room is a main selling point of the 2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon, and with good reason. With all seats up, there is almost 26 cubic feet of space in the back. Fold the rear seats down and it increases to 60.5. That will be the main USP of this car. To pull people away from their SUVs there had to be something worthwhile. This is it.

Options and Trims

The 2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, xenon headlights, fog lights, sunroof, keyless entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, eight-way power driver seat with memory, four-way power passenger seat, leather upholstery, heated front seats, auto-dimming rearview mirror, 60/40-split-folding rear seat, Bluetooth and a seven-speaker sound system with a CD player, satellite radio.

The V6 model has firmer suspension, 18-inch wheels and a road noise-cancelling mode in the sound system.

The Technology package includes a rearview camera, hard-drive-based navigation system, voice recognition, real-time traffic and weather forecasting, a 10-speaker surround-sound system with single-CD player, digital music storage and a power liftgate.

Owning

The car drives well. The engine is smooth, responsive, and in V6 guise, offers decent performance. The suspension is capable and the brakes even more so. The car looks good, even as a station wagon. This is going to be the main selling point with this car.

No longer does someone have to feel their life is over because they own a station wagon. It can become a cool car to own. More socially acceptable than an SUV, with almost the same practicality.

New car deals for the 2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon will be plentiful. While they are only making 4000 of these cars, it’s to test the water for a bigger run later. That means Honda/Acura will be keen to sell as many of them as they can to make it all worthwhile.

Vehicle Type: Station wagon
Base Price: $30,960
Engine Type: 4-cylinder
Displacement: 2.4-liter
Power (SAE net): 201 bhp
Torque (SAE net): 170 lb-ft
Transmission: 6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic
Fuel Economy (MFR’S EST): 22/31 mpg city/highway

2011 BMW 3 Series Coupe

The 2011 BMW 3 Series Coupe has new head and taillights, and other cosmetic changes this year. There is also a new turbocharged engine option that offers more gas mileage, and a new sport model in the 335is.

The BMW 3 Series is simply the best sedan in the world bar none. Yes it’s an import, yes it isn’t as pretty as it used to be, but it simply cannot be beaten for the build quality, the engines, the drive, the poise, the experience and the reliability that BMW brings.

Super Models

The 3 series comes in four flavors, the 328i, 335i, 335d and the 335is. The 328i has a 3.0-liter inline-6 that generates 230 bhp and 200 lb-ft of torque. It’s mated to either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission to push the power to the rear wheels.

The 335i has a turbocharged version of the 3.0-liter motor producing 300 bhp and 300 lb-ft of torque. It shares the same transmission as the 328i. The new engine has more power, but returns the same gas mileage. It isn’t often we get more power with the same frugality!

The 335d is the diesel version. This is very popular in Europe as it presents much better gas mileage, but has still to take off here. It has a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged diesel motor that produces 365 bhp and 425 lb-ft of torque. It’s EPA-estimated gas mileage was 23/36 mpg.

The 335is maintains the previous twin-turbo from previous models, producing 320 bhp and 332 lb-ft of torque. It comes with an overboost option which will push that to 370 lb-ft. This model comes with a six-speed manual or seven-speed automatic transmission with dual clutch.

The Options

The prices of the cars themselves are reasonable. It’s when you add the options that things start getting expensive. Fortunately, there are a few toys included in each model.

Standard on the 328i coupe models includes 17-inch wheels, adaptive xenon headlights, sports-tuned suspension, heated side mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlights, fog lamps, automatic climate control and a 10-speaker sound system with CD player and HD radio.

The 335is coupe and convertible get a more powerful engine, sports-tuned suspension, 18-inch wheels, body kit, sport seats and a sports steering wheel.

Inside

The interior of the 2011 BMW 3 Series Coupe is a nice place to be. The sober layout, sensible dashboard, ergonomics and feeling of quality pervade. BMW have never subscribed to the shiny dials and flashy light philosophy. Here, it’s all about practicality and the driving experience.

The seats are comfortable and supportive, offering great long-distance possibilities. The sports seats even more so, they almost hug you as you sit in them. Passenger room in the front is plentiful, and those in the back will be fine, except the tallest. The headroom in the back is compromised slightly which might make longer journeys tiring.

The Driving Experience

The “Ultimate Driving Machine” really is that. For once the marketing department is telling the truth. BMW engines are silky smooth and deliver steady volumes of power at any speed. Each engine delivers decent power, decent torque and decent gas mileage. Each has its own character and benefits.

The 328i is smooth, refined and delivers steady power. The 335i is the same, until the turbo kicks in. Then it kicks you in the back as it flies forward. The 335is is the same, exactly the same, until you floor it. Then the car plants its backside and surges as the turbos spin up and deliver that power.

Even in standard guise, the chassis and suspension of the 2011 BMW 3 Series Coupe is superb. It corners well, absorbs enough, while leaving enough feedback at the wheel. Go for the sports suspension, body roll is almost eliminated and grip is increased exponentially.

New car deals for the 2011 BMW 3 Series Coupe will be hard to come by. The Germans are notoriously hard to bargain with. They know they build solid cars that are pretty well priced. However, competition is hot, so play them against a rival and see what happens.

Vehicle Type: Coupe
Base Price: $37,650
Engine Type: 6-cylinder straight six
Displacement: 3.0-liters
Power: 240 bhp
Torque: 230 lb-ft
Transmission: 6-speed manual or automatic
Fuel Economy (MFR’S EST): 18/28 mpg (city/hwy)

2011 Optima Hybrid

The 2011 Optima Hybrid is the first foray into hybrid motoring for the Korean Manufacturer so it will be interesting to see how they handle it. While cars are quite complicated beasts, adding a hybrid motor to the equation adds significantly to that.

The car has yet to launch, it’s currently slated for winter 2011, but we had a sneak preview. That means some things in this review may change between now and launch. The 2011 Optima Hybrid debuted at the LA Motor Show last year and caused a bit of a stir.

At a price point somewhere around $26,000, its considerably less than some of the competition. The Nissan Altima hybrid starts at $27,530, while the Ford Fusion hybrid costs $28,990, so there is a plus in the Kia box already. The estimated gas mileage of 36/40 mpg puts it ahead of many other hybrids except the Ford Fusion too.

Motor

The drive in the 2011 Optima Hybrid is provided by the gas-electric Hybrid Blue Drive system that also powers the Sonata hybrid. It’s a 2.4-liter engine combined with a 30kW electric motor to produce 209 bhp combined. The drive is provided by a six-speed automatic transmission.

The use of the Hyundai engine is partly why Kia can offer this at such a low price. The two manufacturers share technology and parts between their models to save development and production costs. That offers a significant advantage when it comes to pricing the end product.

The electric side of the motor can be run on its own up to speeds of 62 miles per hour providing zero emissions. This triggers the “Virtual Engine Sound System” which plays a recording of engine noise to alert pedestrians to your presence.

The engine is also equipped with the stop/start function which further lowers fuel use. We didn’t get to test this, but if it works properly, will add another few miles to the EPA figure.

According to a press release from Kia, the battery is all-new too. It’s a new kind of lithium polymer battery that is lighter than others and holds the charge up to 25 percent longer than the competition.

Quote from the Kia press release:

“The 30 kilowatt battery pack weighing just 95.9 pounds – 28 pounds less than the 2011 Toyota Camry Hybrid’s nickel metal hydride pack – which aids fuel economy and also helps to maximize Optima’s cargo space… The Optima Hybrid’s battery will hold its charge up to 25 percent longer than hybrids with nickel metal hydride batteries, so the battery is more likely to have usable energy available even if it has not been in use.”

If the technology works, this will be a significant step forward in battery technology.

Design

The mechanical design also pushes the boundaries. The electric motor uses a Transmission-Mounted-Electric-Drive (TMED) layout. This means the motor is kept separate from the transmission. This adds a certain pick and mix flexibility to the car which may come in handy later. In essence, the different parts of the gas and electric engines, and the transmission all bolt together rather than being integrated.

The exterior of the 2011 Optima Hybrid is new too. It’s also much better looking than its Hyundai sibling, the Sonata. The sleek styling and aggressive stance belies the green technology underneath but adds a certain curb appeal. To our mind, if the design stays the same it will be the best looking hybrid on the market at launch.

Interior

Inside, the Optima is just as attractive. Everything is canted slightly towards the driver, giving an almost cockpit feel. Saabs used to use this style to great effect as it gives a startlingly different feeling when driving.

The materials and build quality are excellent. The seats are comfortable, the driving position confident and visibility is great all-round. As a passenger, the ride is equally good.

The Optima hybrid will be equipped similarly to the mid-level LX gas version, but adds eight-way power seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, and keyless start as standard.

New car deals are likely to be difficult to achieve to begin with. The 2011 Optima Hybrid is already going to be the cheapest hybrid around so getting more discount may be hard. It’s also going to be one of the most fuel-efficient and best looking hybrid motors on the road.

Vehicle Type: Mid-size sedan
Base Price: $26,000 (approx.)
Engine Type: four-cylinder hybrid
Displacement: 2.4-liters
Power: 209 bhp @6000 rpm
Torque: 195 lb-ft
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Fuel Economy (MFR’S EST): 36/40 mpg (city/hwy)

2011 Kia Forte Koup

The Korea motor manufacturing industry has gone from strength to strength ever since they started exporting cars here over 20 years ago, The 2011 Kia Forte Koup is testament to that. People seem to forget that Subaru and Hyundai are also Korean, and they have been selling like hot cakes.

New in this year’s model is a hatch version, some minor cosmetic changes and a new six-speed automatic gearbox.

Trims and Options

The 2011 Kia Forte Koup has three trims in three body styles. The base LX, EX and SX trims, and sedan, hatchback and coupe styles.

Standard on the base LX are 15-inch wheels, adjustable driver seat, 60/40 split-folding rear seat, Bluetooth connectivity and a four-speaker CD/MP3 audio system. The EX adds keyless entry, air-conditioning, full power accessories, six-speaker audio system and cruise control, while the EX Koup adds 16-inch alloy wheels, firmer suspension tuning and sport front seats.

The top of the line SX trim has the more powerful 2.4-liter engine, sports-tuned suspension, 17-inch alloy wheels, wider tires, fog lights, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, enhanced instrument cluster, trip computer, unique cloth upholstery and metallic interior trim.

The SX Koup gets 17-inch alloys, sportier suspension and illuminated red speaker surrounds that can blink in time to the music.

Motors

There are two engines for the Forte, the 2.0-liter four-cylinder for the LX and EX. It produces 156 bhp and 144 lb-ft of torque. There is a larger 2.4 for the SX that produces 173 bhp and 168 lb-ft of torque. Both are lively enough under acceleration, but the 2.0 needs to be worked to get the best out of it.

A six-speed manual transmission is standard on all but the new hatchback. It gets the new six-speed auto transmission which is also an option across the range. The new box works well and is a likable addition to the range. The shifts are smooth and it seems to pick the right gear at the right time.

Interior

This is where some Asian manufacturers can fall down. Interior design isn’t a strongpoint, and the same could be said here. The interior is nice enough but doesn’t win any prizes. Everything is logically placed and clean. The materials are okay and the finishing seems about the same.

Visibility all-round is pretty good, as are the seats. Front space is good, but taller drivers many have trouble with the limited range of the telescopic steering wheel. Rear passenger legroom is good, as is headroom. Cargo space is average for the class at 14.7 cu-ft in the sedan.

Driving and Owning

Driving the two lower end trims is instantly forgettable. They are fine, inoffensive, and will suit many people well. There’s nothing wrong, they just aren’t that engaging. The SX is where things get interesting.

The 2.4-liter motor and better suspension both conspire to make this a good car to drive. On par with other cars in the class easily. The engine is lively and will rev nicely, the suspension does a good job of absorbing the bumps in the road while offering plenty of grip. Less body roll on the corners is also a bonus.

New car deals for the 2011 Kia Forte Koup will be plentiful. The Korean dealers are always keen for a sensible offer. The car is cheap enough as it is, so you may be better off upping a trim level or including some options.

Vehicle Type: Compact sedan, hatch, coupe
Base Price: $16,995 – $18,395
Engine Type: four-cylinder
Displacement: 2.0-liter
Power: 156 bhp
Torque: 144 lb-ft
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Fuel Economy (MFR’S EST): 25/34 mpg (city/hwy)

2011 Nissan Quest

The 2011 Nissan Quest heralds a return for the minivan, or so Nissan hopes anyway. After a short absence, the box on wheels is back and ready to take on all-comers. The public moved away from minivans in favor of SUVs and crossovers. Sales dropped, and so did investment.

The new Quest heralds Nissan’s attempt to revitalize an ailing market with something different. After an absence of a year, does this new model have what it takes to compete?

The Motor

There is a single engine across the range, a V6 producing 260 bhp and 240 lb-ft of torque. The engine is smooth, refined and delivers right through the rev range. Why a family bus needs that much power we will never know, but just because it’s there doesn’t mean you have to use it.

It is connected to a CVT, which drives the front wheels. Using Continuously Variable Transmissions used to be a big problem a couple of years ago. Fortunately the technology has been refined to acceptable standards now, which is why we’re seeing them so often.

The Design

Exterior design is completely different from the 2009 model. The raked front, long lines, extra windows and side skirts all go to make an aerodynamic profile. The previous model would never have won any design awards, and neither will this. However, it’s friendlier on the eyes than any Quest before it.

The interior is conservative and functional. The dashboard and controls are all logically laid out and within easy reach. Front seats are comfortable and offer excellent visibility all-round. We were surprised to not find many storage options inside. These kinds of vehicles usually have cubby holes and pockets everywhere, they seemed a little lacking here.

A big selling point for minivans in the passenger space. Here the 2011 Nissan Quest falls a little short. Interior space is smaller than previous models, with the second row only being able to seat two. That makes this a seven-seater in a market of eight.

Luggage space also falls short, partly because of the odd folding of the rear seats, forward, not backward. It can carry up to 108 cubic feet of luggage, which is 40 less than the market leading Honda Odyssey. So while the exterior size is almost identical to other vans, interior space is compromised. Not ideal, but what is there works well.

Options

There are four trim levels for the 2011 Nissan Quest, S, SV, SL and LE. Standard for the S model include 16-inch steel wheels, cruise control, remote keyless entry, full power accessories, trip computer, ambient interior lighting and a four-speaker stereo with six-CD changer and auxiliary audio jack.

The SV includes alloy wheels, fog lights, leather-wrapped steering wheel with controls, power-sliding doors, auto-dimming rearview mirror, tri-zone automatic climate control, rearview camera, front-seat center console, Bluetooth and a six-speaker stereo with 4-inch color display and an iPod/USB input jack.

The SL adds 18-inch wheels, heated mirrors, roof rails, power liftgate, leather upholstery, heated front seats, power driver seat and one-touch fold-flat third-row seats.

The LE adds xenon headlights, driver seat memory, power front passenger seat, power-return third-row seats, advanced air filtration, navigation system, second- and third-row sunshades, blind-spot warning system, rear entertainment system with 11-inch widescreen, and a 13-speaker Bose surround-sound system with an 8-inch display and satellite radio.

Driving

For a bus of its size, the Quest handles quite well. The engine is smooth and responsive, the CVT seemed effortless. The suspension did a great job around the city, soaking up the bumps with ease. As a driver, it handles confidently, if a little heavy. As a passenger, it feels nice. Smooth, poised, refined and efficient.

Body roll is minimal, making it feel good around corners. Despite having a V6, this is a heavy car, so 0-60 is only 8.5 seconds. But, when you’re taking kids to soccer practice that’s more than you should ever need.

New car deals for the 2011 Nissan Quest are likely to be keen. The new model is different, but doesn’t take the market forward. The Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna are both better vehicles at a very similar price. Use that in your negotiations and you’re sure to make the dealer sweat.

Vehicle Type: Minivan
Base Price: $27,750
Engine Type: V6
Displacement: 3.5-liter
Power: 260 bhp
Torque: 240 lb-ft
Transmission: CVT
Fuel Economy (MFR’S EST): 18/24 mpg (city/hwy)

2011 Audi A6

The 2011 Audi A6 changes only slightly from the previous year. The S Line is now the standard trim level which brings a slightly sportier looks, different front bumper and skirt, headlight washers and the R8-style rear LED lights. There is also a new entertainment system in the MMI (Audi Multi-Media Interface).

The Audi A6 is placed as a direct competitor to the BMW 5-series and Mercedes-Benz E-class. Even the Jaguar XF wants a piece of this pie. The main issue is that the A6 just looks ordinary. There is nothing there to draw the eye and make you say “wow.” The new 5-series, the newly designed E-class does it, and the XF most certainly does it.

The Audi A6 is a superb car. It’s well built, well designed, reliable, driver-centric and a great car to own. But it’s ordinary. It’s the car in the background working tirelessly for its owner and watching the other cars get all the girls.

Audi are the only auto manufacturer on the planet that have managed to make a station wagon cool. The RS4 and RS6 Avant are the only two wagons that we would ever suggest buying before the age of 50. That’s a significant achievement for any manufacturer.

Engines

The entry-level A6 is the 3.2-liter V6. It produces 265 bhp, 243 lb-ft of torque and comes with front-wheel drive and a continuously variable transmission with seven pre-set gear ratios for mainstream driving.

The 2011 Audi A6 3.0T sedan is powered by a 300 bhp, 310 lb-ft of torque supercharged V6. The A6 4.2 has a 350 bhp V8 producing 325 lb-ft of torque. Both come with a six-speed automatic transmission and Quattro all-wheel drive.
All engines are eminently capable, smooth, reliable and provides a smooth surge of power, especially the supercharged V6. Of all the motors, the 3.0T is our favorite.

Options

There are three trim levels for the Audi A6; Premium, Premium Plus and Prestige. The Premium comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, auto wipers, heated mirrors, sunroof, climate control, eight-way power seats, partial leather upholstery, Bluetooth, voice-activated navigation system with real-time traffic, Audi MMI and a 10-speaker stereo with six-disc CD changer, satellite radio and an iPod interface.

Premium Plus adds 18-inch alloy wheels, rear parking sensors, xenon headlights, LED running lights, auto-dimming exterior and interior mirrors, and driver memory functions.

The Prestige model adds adaptive headlights, keyless ignition/entry, rearview camera, power-adjustable steering wheel, shift paddles and a Bose sound system with DVD-audio capability.

There are of course the obligatory packages that further enhance the vehicle such as the Cold Weather package adds heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel and heated front seats.

The Sport package boasts sport-tuned suspension, sport steering wheel, gear-shift paddles and either 18-inch wheels with all-season tires or 19-inch wheels with summer tires.

Inside

The interior of the 2011 Audi A6 is a great place to spend time. The materials and finish are excellent and the dash layout is attractive and functional. The new MMI interface is the one stop shop for everything multimedia, think i-drive for Audi.

There is plenty of space for passengers, especially in the front. The high pillars don’t compromise headroom in either row, and there is plenty of legroom for even the tallest people. The seats are comfortable and supportive and do a good job of helping provide a pleasurable ride.

Driving

Audis have always been a quality ride. The combination of well-designed chassis, finely-tuned suspension and responsive engines have always made Audi a force to be reckoned with.

German cars have always struck the right balance between being sporty and comfortable. Those wanting comfort will be well catered for with any of the vehicle models. Those wanting something a little feistier should choose the Sport package. The engine in the 3.0T is the best choice for either.

New car deals for the 2011 Audi A6 are likely to be possible, but hard work. The 5-series is more popular, the E-class is more luxurious, and the XFR is more attractive. There is plenty of competition in the luxury sedan market where these inhabit so a new car deal is likely, but you will have to work for it.

Vehicle Type: 4-door mid-size sedan
Base Price: $45,200
Engine Type: V6
Displacement: 3.2-liter,
Power: 265 bhp
Torque: 243 lb-ft
Transmission: 7-speed CVT
Fuel Economy (MFR’S EST): 21/30 mpg (city/hwy)

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