Driving a dying breed

Photo from Lexus.com

   While Lexus sells many of its RX and  NX crossover SUV's, it still keeps a couple of traditional SUV's available as well. The 2015 Lexus GX 460 is one of them, and it carries the old-school SUV torch with sturdy body-on-frame construction, full time 4-wheel drive, and a big, beefy V8 engine under the hood. Whether the GX is right for you or not will depend on your priorities.


     Interestingly, this Lexus is still rather well mannered in the city. The suspension is apt at soaking up bumps and broken pavement to give you a comfortable ride. That 301 horsepower V8 is muscular enough to get you in and out of traffic with even coming close to breaking a sweat. The GX 460 even offers an adaptive air suspension, plus a solid offering of luxury features.

     The 2015 Lexus GX 460 is a 7 passenger SUV that comes in Base and Luxury trims.

Photo from Lexus.com

     Standard features on the base model include 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic LED low-beam headlamps, illuminated running boards, sunroof, roof rack side rails, rear privacy glass and a rear spoiler. Inside you will find dual zone auto a/c, leatherette premium vinyl upholstery, 8-way power front seats, driver memory settings, cruise control, sliding and reclining split 40/20/40 second row seats, a 50/50 split third row seating, a power tilt and telescoping steering wheel, an auto dimming rear-view mirror, a rear-view camera, Bluetooth, and an 8-inch touchscreen electronics interface.

     There are many optional features on the 2015 Lexus GX 460, but keep in mind that they are packaged together differently depending on the region you live in. Case in point, a vehicle you order in Cleveland could be different than one you can order in L.A.

     The Premium package includes different 18-inch alloy wheels, LED fog lights, a windshield de-icer, front and rear parking sensors, perforated leather seating, heated and ventilated front seats, heated second row seats, tri zone auto a/c, and a navigation system. Some of those items, like the navigation, are available as separate options.

     Stepping up to the Luxury model gets you the above equipment plus a special liquid graphite finish to those 18-inch alloy wheels, an adaptive suspension, rear auto-leveling, headlamp washers, illuminated front scuff plates, auto dimming side mirrors, blind spot monitoring with rear cross traffic alert, a heated steering wheel, mahogany wood trim on the steering wheel and shift knob, upgraded leather upholstery, a cargo cover, and power folding 3rd row seats.

 

Photo from Lexus.com

 Options on the Luxury model include a 17-speaker sound system, a rear seat video entertainment system, and the Driver Support Package, which includes Crawl Control, automatic high beam headlamp control, adaptive cruise control, a lane departure warning system, additional front and rear parking sensors, and the Mark Levinson sound system

     The 2015 Lexus GX 460 has a 4.6 liter V8 engine that puts out 301 horsepower and 329 lb.-ft of torque. A 6-speed automatic transmission is standard, as is a full time 4-wheel drive system with a dual-range transfer case. When properly equipped, the GX 460 can haul 6.500 pounds.

     In testing, the GX 460 accelerated to 60 mph from 0 in 7.2 seconds, an average time for a large luxury SUV, and got an EPA estimated 17 mpg combined.

     The 2015 Lexus GX 460 comes standard with antilock brakes, traction and stability control, a rear-view camera, front and rear seat side airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, and side curtain airbags that cover all 3 rows of seating. Also standard is Lexus Safety Connect.

Photo from Lexus.com

     There are also a number of optional safety features including blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alerts, a lane departure warning system, and a frontal collision warning system. In brake testing, the GX 460 came to a stop from 60 mph in 130 feet, which is a little longer than average for this class.

     The 2015 Lexus GX 460 maintains a decidedly traditional look on the interior, and forgoes the newer more modern wide screen monitor, and Remote Touch that is present in other, newer Lexus models. Still, the GX's cabin is attractive and very well put together. It is hard to find fault with the quality of the soft leather and genuine wood trim that are standard on the top of the line Luxury trim, but the switch from leather to leatherette in the base model could be seen by some as being rather low-rent. Front seats are still plenty comfortable, but the hard and flat second row bench is less-so. The third row seats are suitable for children, or small adults only.

     Folding the second and third row seats down gives you a cargo hold with 64.7 cubic feet of space, which is a little underwhelming, given the sheer size of the GX. Accessing that space can be made complicated in some curbside situations as the rear cargo door opens to the side. It does however offer the option of opening the glass portion, which helps when you want to carry longer items.

Photo from Lexus.com

   GX 460 delivers a ride quality that is a fair bit smoother than you might expect. Handling around turns is secure, and the available adaptive suspension helps in this area. With that said, you will likely find that many luxury crossovers will feel more confident and a good deal sportier in turns. In the city, the GX 460 also feels a little more truck like than some of its competitors, as steering and brake inputs feel a bit slow.
 For an SUV built on traditional body-on-frame underpinnings, the 2015 Lexus

     Leave the pavement behind however, and the Lexus GX 460's full time 4 wheel drive and available Crawl Control might make you feel invincible. Select one of the Crawl Control's 3 preset speeds, and the computer takes over both the gas and the brake pedal, leaving you to concentrate on just steering.

     The GX 460's V8 produces enough power for everyday driving, but can feel a little strained in some highway passing moves. The transmission can be smooth, but unsure of itself when downshifting at times.

   

The new standard for midsize sedans

   

Photo from Toyota.com

The generational lifecycle for Toyota cars and trucks are usually pretty consistent. Every 5 or 6 years, the company typically debuts a new generation of a given car and apart from some mild updates like a strip of chrome here and there, usually leaves them alone until the next generation. The 2015 Toyota Camry however represents a huge departure from that norm, as it just went through an overhaul 3 years ago. Whatever the reasons are for the change, the end result is certainly great news if you are shopping for a midsize sedan.

Photo from Toyota.com

     The Camry's changes on the outside are rather obvious, where all but the roof has been restyled. The grille is bigger, more prominent and indicative of the pricier Toyota Avalon, and its Lexus cousins. In profile, the 2015 Camry is more sculpted, and less melted slab of butter,  and the rear styling has been smoothed over as well. Overall, you could say that the Camry looks more grown up. Inside, the 2015 Toyota Camry's design and generous passenger space remain unchanged, but Toyota has made great changes to the quality of the plastics. The buttons and the knobs for the climate controls are bigger and less toy-like, and as a result, are not only easier to use, but give off a higher-end look and feel. Plus, every Camry now gets classier gauges and a user friendly Entune touchscreen interface.

     The 4-cylinder and V6 engines remain unchanged, but Toyota did make rather significant changes to the Camry's body structure and suspension tuning. The result is a more buttoned down confident driving experience that Toyota says their customers have been requesting. This latest Camry still isn't what I would call sporty, like a Mazda 6 or Ford Fusion, but it is more responsive and generally easier to drive.


     The 2015 Toyota Camry is a 5 passenger midsize sedan that comes in LE, SE, XSE, and XLE trims. Still available is the Toyota Camry Hybrid.

   

Photo from Toyota.com

Standard equipment on the base LE includes 16-inch steel wheels, automatic headlamps, heated mirrors, air conditioning, keyless entry, a rearview camera, cruise control, 8-way power driver seat, a 60/40 split folding rear seat, cloth seating surfaces, Bluetooth, a 6.1 inch touchscreen interface for Entune, a 6-speaker sound system with CD player, an auxiliary audio jack and a USB/iPod interface.

     The SE builds upon that with 17-inch alloy wheels, a sport-tuned suspension, unique exterior styling and interior trim elements, sport fabric and simulated leather upholstery, a leather trimmed steering wheel and upgraded gauges.

     The XSE builds upon the SE's equipment with 18-inch alloy wheels, LED running lamps, leather and simulated suede upholstery, heated front seats with more aggressive bolstering, a 4-way power passenger seat, dual zone auto a/c, satellite radio and HD radio.

     The Convenience Package on the SE and XSE 4-cylinder models include keyless entry and ignition, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.

Photo from Toyota.com

     The XLE is equipped similarly to the XSE, however it has the LE's more comfort tuned suspension, and lacks the SE/XSE's sporty styling elements. It has 17-inch alloy wheels, and full leather upholstery.

     The following items are optional on the 4-cylinder engine XSE and XLE and standard on their V6 versions: LED headlamps, a noise-reducing windshield, sunroof, the Convenience Package items, a 7-inch upgraded Entune touchscreen interface, a navigation system, Qi wireless smartphone charging and a suite of smartphone integration apps.

     Optional on the XSE and XLE are a blind spot monitoring system and rear cross traffic alert system, the Advanced Technology package which includes lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, a pre-collision warning and braking system, and automatic high-beam headlamp control, and a 10-speaker JBL sound system.

     Every 2015 Toyota Camry trim comes standard with a 2.5 liter 4 cylinder engine that produces 178 horsepower and 170 lb.-ft of torque. Front-wheel drive and a 6-speed automatic transmission come standard.

     In testing, a Camry LE with that powertrain did 0-60 mph runs in about 8.4 seconds. EPA estimated fuel economy is 28 mpg combined which is at least 2 mpg behind some of its competition.

 

Photo from Toyota.com

 The Camry XSE and XLE can be equipped with a 3.5 liter V6 that produces 268 horsepower, and 248 lb.-ft of torque. It too has front-wheel drive and a 6-speed automatic transmission. A Camry XLE V6 sprinted to 60 mph in 6.2 seconds, making it one of the fastest cars in its class. EPA estimated fuel economy of 25 mpg puts it on par with the competition that still offers a V6.

     Every 2015 Toyota Camry comes standard with antilock disc brakes, stability and traction control, front and rear side airbags, front knee airbags and a rearview camera.

     Options on the XSE and XLE include a blind spot warning system paired with a cross traffic alert system. The Advanced Technology package adds a lane-departure warning system and a pre-collision system. Optional only on the XLE is Safety Connect, which is just like OnStar.

     In government crash testing, the Camry earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall crash protection.

     The 2015 Toyota Camry is blessed with one of the most comfortable and spacious cabins in the midsize family sedan segment. Even tall adults will find plenty of space above their heads and in front of their knees, while a rear facing child seat will fit in the back with ease. The fixed rear-seat headrests make it difficult to properly secure a front-facing child seat, however. Space in the trunk, rated at 15.4 cubic feet, is average for this class of car.

 

Photo from Toyota.com

 In terms of controls, the center stack's buttons are big, easy to read at a glance, and glove friendly without being laughably large or ugly. This is especially true for the sensibly designed climate controls.

     With improvements to its body structure, suspension and steering, every 2015 Toyota Camry is more responsive than the previous versions to driver inputs and more controlled when going around turns. This is certainly true of the SE and XSE models, which turn the driver engagement notch up a bit. True, they don't reach the same level of sharpness offered by some of its competitors, but they make it feel ok for some reason.

     Both the base 2.5 liter 4 cylinder and the optional 3.5 liter V6 engines deliver satisfying acceleration in a pretty smooth fashion. Transmission downshifts are commendably responsive, which is noteworthy given that some competitors transmissions are on the slow side in the name of better fuel economy.

Looking for a small coupe? Take a look at this!

 

Photo from Scion.com

 With quite a host of small cars to choose from, Scion has made its mark by providing reasonably priced cars that offer lots of options to personalize and modify. In the center of that lineup is the 2015 Scion tC, a 2-door 4-seat coupe. While this car doesn't take home the medal for being the most fun to drive, the tC still has quite a bit of appeal.

     One of the most notable things about the 2015 Scion tC is what it offers in terms of value. Standard features include Bluetooth, a touchscreen display, and a panoramic sunroof. While the tC doesn't get the best fuel economy numbers from the EPA, in real world testing those numbers were pretty easy to beat. Furthering the case for the tC, you have a decent sized backseat, and the large hatch opening in the rear.

     The 2015 Scion tC is a 2-door, 4-passenger coupe and it comes in one base level.

     Standard features include 18-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, cruise control, full power accessories, a panoramic sunroof, a height adjustable drives seat, a leather trimmed tilt and telescoping steering wheel, reclining and folding rear seats, Bluetooth, and an 8-speaker Pioneer audio system with 6.1 inch touchscreen.

Photo from Scion.com

     As with other Scions, a wide selection of dealer-sourced accessories are available, including 19-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, TRD performance parts for the suspension and drivetrain, and an upgraded audio system.

     The front-wheel drive Scion tC is powered by a 2.5 liter 4 cylinder engine that produces 179 horsepower, and 172 lb.-ft of torque. A 6-speed manual transmission is standard, while a 6-speed automatic with a rev-matched downshift feature is optional.

     During performance testing, the tC with the manual transmission went from 0-60 mph in 7.4 seconds. An automatic equipped vehicle did the same sprint in 7.9 seconds. Both are rather respectable times for this class.

   

Photo from Scion.com

 Whether it is equipped with the auto or the manual transmission, the tC returns an EPA estimated 26 mpg combined. In testing, I found that it was easy to beat those numbers, and if you have a light foot, you are sure to do even better.

     Standard safety features on the 2015 Scion tC include stability and traction control, antilock brakes, front knee airbags, front side airbags, side curtain airbags and active front headrests. In brake testing, the tC came to a stop from 60 mph in 123 feet. That is an average distance for this type of vehicle.

     In government crash testing, the tC earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall crash protection.

     Much like its exterior, the 2015 Scion tC's cabin certainly has a sporty feel. With its thick, flat-bottomed steering wheel, cradling seat bolsters and controls canted towards the driver, the tC strives for a high-performance sports car aesthetic. Unfortunately, the ambiance is mucked up a bit by the large amount of hard plastics and thinly padded arm rests.

Photo from Scion.com

     From the standpoint of practicality, the tC is one of your better choices. The rear seats have above average leg room, and getting in and out are pretty easy, at least by coupe standards. Behind the rear seats you can store 14.7 cubic feet of your stuff, while if you fold the rear 60/40 split seats, you can hold even more. The hatchback body style also means its easier to load bulkier items than other coupes like the Honda Civic, or Hyundai Elantra.

     While earlier Scion's have received high praise for stereo quality, most of the competition has caught up. However, the Scion standard knobs and dials are still pretty easy to use. That said, the BeSpoke audio system is worth the money, considering it comes with navigation.

     Though the 179 horsepower 4-cylinder engine in the 2015 Scion tC isn't the most thrilling, it certainly feels powerful, especially when you are lower in the revs. If you are up for shifting your own gears, the 6-speed manual is a good choice as it is easy to operate. But the more popular automatic is just fine, and you won't suffer a hit in fuel economy either.

Photo from Scion.com

     Around city streets, the tC is rather entertaining to drive. It may not be overly exciting compared to the rear-wheel drive FR-S, but well-weighted, precise steering and the cars' light-on-its-tires feel make for some respectable fun. The ride quality however, is on the mediocre side, as many bumps and potholes some to produce a jiggle or vibration. Excessive road noise, and a loud exhaust might also get on your nerves after awhile.

Making a swing for the fences: 2015 VW Golf

   

Photo from VW.com

 The VW Golf certainly wasn't the first hatchback ever invented, but in its 40 year history, it has become the benchmark. Like other long-standing German cars, the Golf has evolved steadily over time. When you park all 7 generations side by side, you can easily spot how it has changed over the years. Compared to the last generation, you would be hard pressed to find the major changes that have been made.

     Reshaped headlamps and taillights, and side body panels with increased sharpness are the only giveaways that anything has changed. The interior is also the same, with hardly any changes to be made.

     However, underneath that refreshed body is an all new body structure, and a more powerful efficient gasoline engine. The underperforming 2.5 liter 5 cylinder engine is gone, and in comes a 1.8 liter turbo 4 cylinder that delivers good power, and respectable fuel economy. If fuel economy is your game, the TDI also makes a return.

   

Photo from VW.com

On the inside, the 2015 VW Golf looks and feels much like the older car, but there is actually more space for you and your things. Material quality is a little bit better, along with a slightly updated interface for infotainment.

     The 2015 VW Golf hatchback comes in 2 or 4 door flavors, with 4 different trim levels with each version.

     The base Golf Launch Edition has limited availability, and comes in a 2 door, with manual transmission only. Standard features include 15-inch steel wheels, heated mirrors, air conditioning, front seat center armrest, cloth seating surfaces, tilt and telescoping steering wheel, 60/40 split folding rear seats, hill hold assist, Bluetooth, a 5.8 inch touchscreen audio interface, satellite radio and iPod connectivity.

Photo from VW.com

     The Golf S comes in either 2 or 4 doors and adds alloy wheels, cruise control, a leather wrapped steering wheel, premium vinyl seating surfaces, and VW's Car-Net. Power reclining front seats are also included if you select the optional automatic transmission, or the optional sunroof is selected.

     The SE trim only comes as a 4 door with the auto transmission, sunroof and power partial seats. Added goodies include 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlamps, fog lights, automatic wipers, heated front seats, a rearview camera and a premium Fender audio system. The range topping SEL trim adds 18-inch wheels, keyless entry and ignition, dual-zone auto ac, sport front seats with 10-way power adjustable settings, a navigation system and interior ambient lighting with LED reading lamps.

     The TDI powertrain equipped vehicles have all of the same options.

     Two package options are available. The Lighting package includes bi-xenon headlamps, LED daytime running lights, cornering lights, and the ambient interior and LED reading lamps. The Driver Assistance package includes front and rear parking sensors, and a forward collision warning system.

     Powering the conventional gasoline Golf, is a turbocharged 1.8 liter 4 cylinder engine that makes 170 horsepower and 200 lb.-ft of torque. The Launch Edition trim is only available with a 5-speed manual transmission, while the Golf S can come with a 6-speed automatic. The SE and SEL trims only come with the automatic.

   

Photo from VW.com

 The EPA estimates for this powerplant is 29 mpg combined with the automatic, and 30 mpg combined with the manual. In performance testing, the Golf managed to accelerate to 60 mph in about 8 seconds, which is a pretty good time for this class.

     The diesel powered models receive a 2.0 liter turbocharged 4 cylinder engine that makes 150 horsepower and 236 lb.-ft of torque. A 6-speed manual transmission is standard and VW's 6-speed DSG is optional. The EPA estimates currently stand at 36 mpg combined for the automatic, and 36 mpg combined for the manual.

     Standard safety features for the 2015 VW Golf include things like antilock disc brakes, stability and traction control, front side airbags, side curtain airbags, and a driver knee airbag. A post-crash braking system is also standard , while forward collision warning, and front and rear parking sensors are optional.

     On Golf S models and above, VW's Car-Net is standard. Car-Net is VW's version of OnStar, and has many of the same features. In brake testing, the Golf managed to come to a complete stop from 60 mph in 120, which is a solid number for this class. As a plus, the IIHS gave the Golf the highest rating of good.

   

Photo from VW.com

 The 2015 VW Golf's interior features well-grained materials that are soft to the touch, and a cabin design that while subdued, is clean and elegant at the same time. Buttons and switches are placed close to the driver and offer intuitive, simple control. The 5.8 inch touchscreen is on the small side compared to others, but it works well and is rather easy to read at a glance. However, the large iPhone connector plug can require you to remove the case on your phone, and is a constant gripe, especially with the popularity of simple USB ports. The navigation system might also disappoint with its inability to overlay traffic info on the map, Instead, it lists traffic info off to the side.

     Front seats provide ample support and comfort, even during long distance stints, and not at the sacrifice of rear seat passengers. The Golf's new added leg and shoulder room make the small hatch feel big, although the low mounted rear seat cushions are best suited to smaller passengers. Up to 22.8 cubic feet of cargo can be shoved in the trunk, while 52.7 cubic feet of stuff can be fit if you fold the rear seats down.

     Power from either the gas or the diesel engine should be enough to satisfy most drivers, and the gas engine is smooth and strong. The diesel TDI however, delivers a healthy train of power at low and medium speeds, but the power drops off as the engine nears the redline. The 6-speed automatic paired with the gas engine is a bit balky however, and is prone to gear hunt when accelerating from a stop. Once underway, gear changes are quick, and almost buttery smooth. The 6-speed manual is easy to shift, thanks to a light clutch pedal and distinct shift gates.

Photo from VW.com

     On a normal commute, the 2015 VW Golf delivers a comfortable and compliant ride quality the soaks up potholes and bumps with little effort. With a small footprint and great visibility, it is a super easy car to drive and park. On winding roads, the Golf sticks to its intended path, though if you search hard enough, you will find some body roll and the steering can feel light and dull. Competitors like the Ford Focus and Mazda 3 are better drives in this regard.



   

Large Luxury: 2015 Audi A5

     People who buy sedans tend to make that purchase because it is a practical one, whereas people who buy a coupe make a purchase based on emotions, and for those who buy a convertible, those are the kind of people that say 'I might just take off and head to the beach today.' Thankfully, the 2015 Audi A5 is offered in both coupe and convertible form. Blessed with one of the best AWD systems in the automotive world, a rather refined ride, elegant style and advanced technology, this German coupe impresses in almost every possible way.

Photo from Audi.com

     While the mandatory 4-cylinder engine may feel underpowered to some, the A5 really isn't that much slower than its 6-cylinder powered rivals at legal speeds. If you keep a lid on your spirited driving, you can get gas mileage in the mid-to upper 20's too, which is rather impressive for an all-wheel drive coupe. What's more, you can still get this coupe with a manual transmission, just on the off chance that you are a person that prefers to shift gears on your own. As for the convertible version, it bucks the hardtop trend by only coming with a folding soft-top. Sure, you don't get the extra security of the hardtop, but the soft top doesn't take up nearly as much space as the hardtop would.

   
The four passenger 2015 Audi A5 is offered in coupe and convertible form. The  latter offers a power folding soft-top, and a wind blocker. There are 3 trim levels for each style: Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige.

     The base A5 Premium comes well equipped with things like 18-inch alloy wheels, a tilt only sunroof on the coupe, automatic xenon headlamps, LED running lights and taillights, fog lights, automatic wipers, tri-zone automatic climate control, leather seating surfaces, eight way power front seats, split folding rear seats, a monochromatic driver information display, Bluetooth, a dash-mounted MMI display with a 10 speaker sound system and satellite radio with an iPod interface.

     The Premium Plus adds things like an S-Line trim package, auto-dimming mirrors, keyless entry and ignition, heated front seats and driver memory functions.

Photo from Audi.com

     The Prestige adds adaptive headlamps, a Bang & Olufsen sound system, and the Technology Package which includes a color driver information center, Audi Connect, a navigation system, an upgraded MMI interface with a higher resolution 7 inch screen,front and rear parking sensors, a rear view camera,and a blind spot monitor.

     A5 options are mainly grouped together in  packages.  The Premium is eligible for the Navigation package that adds most of the content of the Prestige. The Premium Plus instead offers the full Technology Package as an option. Available only on the Prestige are the Audi Exclusive Line Interior package which gives you things like contrast piping stitching, upgraded 2-tone leather seating surfaces, and piano black inlays. Also an option is the Driver Assist Package, which gives you adaptive cruise control, adaptive steering and the Drive Select system.

      Offered on both Premium Plus and Prestige are a trio of sportier themed packages. The Sport package includes Drive Select, a sport tuned suspension, front sport seats, and paddle shifters if you have the automatic transmission. The Sport Plus package requires the Sport package, but gives you 19-inch wheels with summer tires, a sport steering wheel, and if you have the coupe, gloss black trim with a black cloth headliner. The S-Line Competition package comes on the coupe only, and requires Sport Plus to be selected, but in turn you get more black exterior trim, leather and faux-suede seat trim, piano black inlays, and if you have the manual transmission, an aluminium shift knob.

Photo from Audi.com

     The all-wheel drive 2015 Audi A5 comes standard with a 2.0 liter turbocharged 4 cylinder engine that is good for making 220 horsepower, and 258 lb-ft. of torque. A 6-speed manual transmission comes standard on the coupe, while an 8-speed automatic is optional, yet the only choice for the convertible.

 
 In performance testing, an A5 with the manual transmission did repeated launches from 0-60 mph in about 6 seconds, which is an average time for this type of vehicle. Fuel economy for the A5 is estimated by the EPA at 26 mpg combined for the coupe with the manual transmission. That number drops to 25 mpg with the automatic, while the convertible drops to 24 combined.

     Standard safety features for the 2015 Audi A5 include things like anti-lock disc brakes, stability and traction control, front seat side and knee airbags, and for the coupe full length side curtain airbags. A blind spot monitoring system is optional on the Premium Plus and standard on the Prestige. The Prestige comes with optional adaptive cruise control that includes a collision mitigation system with forward collision warning, and automatic low speed braking system.

     In brake testing, the A5 come to a stop from 60 mph in about 110 feet, although similar coupes on summer tires posted almost the exact same numbers as the German coupe.

     As the case with most of the vehicles from Audi, the 2015 Audi A5 earns high praise for its understated yet elegant design and top-shelf materials. Functionality can be hit and miss, however. Performing basic tasks with the standard dash mounted MMI controller requires a few extra steps when compared to the upgraded MMI high interface that comes with the navigation system. The latter benefits from simpler menus, a minimally larger screen, and a more ergonomic controller mounted between the front seats.

Photo from Audi.com

     The comfort of the front seats is almost exceptional on long road trips, but the standard seats lack the type of lateral support that is needed if you are a more spirited driver. Thankfully, the optional sport seats remedy this issue with their rather robust side bolsters and super adjustability. However, there is no fix for the rear seats, as the lack of head room makes them only suitable for smaller passengers.

     Those who opt for the 2015 Audi A5 convertible will appreciate the power operated soft-tops' efficient operation, it only requires 15 seconds to raise, and 17 seconds to lower. With the tight-fitting multi-layer top in place, the interior is so well insulated that you might think that you are driving a normal coupe, not a convertible.

     Even more of a plus, the convertible top doesn't take up that much trunk space. Thanks in part to being a fabric top and not a folding hard-top, the trunk can still fit 10.2 cubic feet of your stuff when the top is folded down. That is only 2 cubic feet less than the coupe! Both body styles give you folding rear seats to increase that number.

    Audis. Of note, the ride quality remains pretty much the same, even with the sport suspension equipped.

Photo from Audi.com

 Though it is not a sports car, the 2015 Audi A5 has a taught, crisp feel on the road combining rather impressive body control with a super pleasant ride quality with trusty traction from one of the best all-wheel drive systems in the automotive world. The sport suspension feels even tighter yet, though it lacks the trick feature of torque-vectoring available on fancier

     Even though it doesn't offer the speed or the sound of its 6-cylinder rivals, the A5's turbocharged 4-cylinder engine provides enough acceleration and above average real world fuel economy. The only time the power disappoints is when you are driving at speeds you shouldn't be driving at on public roads anyhow. Of course, you can buy 2 hotter versions of this car, the S5, and the RS5, if going through the gates of heaven backwards on fire is your type of thing.

     If you are shopping for a luxury coupe or convertible, I'm sure you are more than aware of the options available. The 2015 BMW 2-series and 4-series are certainly fresher and sportier, while the Mercedes Benz E-Class coupe and convertible are almost nice enough to make the stretch. On the American front, the 2015 Cadillac ATS Coupe delivers almost the same style and performance, while the dark horse of the bunch is the 2015 Ford Mustang, which you can argue is the most civilized Mustang to date.  

2015 VW Jetta TDI

   

Photo from VW.com

 Because the last refresh of the Jetta was met with underwhelming sales results, VW has been hard at work to reestablish the Jetta as an aspirational choice for buyers in the compact market. In an attempt to fight back for some of its former glory, the 2015 Jetta gets a slight refresh to give it a sleeker look, an upgraded cabin, and on the TDI trim, a more powerful, yet more fuel efficent diesel engine.

     The 2015 VW Jetta also boats a new suite of available electronic driver aids that include things like blind spot monitoring, forward collision alert, and parking sensors. While they are only available on certain trims, and not exclusive to the compact car segment, they do give the Jetta some options that were only available on more expensive cars just a few short years ago. Other advantages of the Jetta are still intact, such as a cabin space that is tastefully designed, the option of both diesel and hybrid powertrains, and excellent crash test safety scores.

     There are a few trade-offs that you should keep in mind, however. The base 2.0 liter 4 cylinder engine is rather weak, and should be avoided at all possible costs. You also might not be very fond of the sport-tuned suspension, that comes with a stiff ride.

     Gasoline powered versions are available in base, S, SE, Sport, and SEL trim levels, while the TDI versions come in S, SE, and SEL. The Jetta hybrid comes in SE, SEL, and SEL Premium trims, while the Jetta GLI comes in SE, and SEL trim levels.

     The base model 2015 VW Jetta, which is a trim that can only be ordered from the dealer, is fitted with the weak 2.0 liter 4 cylinder engine, and the only option for a transmission is a 5-speed manual. Other standard equipment include such things like 15-inch steel wheels, power windows, tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, height adjustable front seats, cloth seats, 60/40 split folding rear seats, and a 4-speaker sound system, with aux-input jack.

     The Jetta S adds power heated mirrors, cruise control, keyless entry, air conditioning, a single-cd radio with 4 inch screen and Bluetooth connectivity, a trip computer, a optional automatic transmission, power door locks, a front seat center armrest, and a 60/40 split folding rear seat. An optional Technology Package includes a rear-view camera, keyless ignition and entry, and a 6-speaker sound system with a 6.5 inch touchscreen.

     The Jetta SE adds to the mix by coming standard with a 1.8 liter turbocharged 4 cylinder engine, 16-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats, satellite radio, and an iPod adapter cable.

     A Connectivity Package on the SE requires that you order the automatic transmission, but it includes body colored outside mirrors, heated windshield washer nozzles, chrome exterior trim, special 16-inch alloy wheels, leatherette seating, rear-view camera, sunroof, driver seat lumbar adjustment, a leather wrapped steering wheel, and a rear seat armrest with trunk pass-through.

     When you select the SE with Connectivity Package, you also have the option of selecting the Navigation Package that includes automatic windshield wipers, fog-lights, and a 5-inch touchscreen radio with voice controlled navigation and keyless ignition and entry.

   

Photo from VW.com

 The Jetta Sport trim combines elements of the Connectivity and Navigation packages by including special 17-inch alloy wheels, fog-lights, rear spoiler, a sport tuned suspension, heated windshield washer nozzles, upgraded 6-speaker radio with Navigation, rear-view camera, heated front seats with 2-tone leatherette seating surfaces, and special stitching for seats, steering wheel and other interior pieces.

     The SEL trim on the Jetta adds a soft touch surface dashboard, dual-zone auto a/c, 6-way power driver seat, and a 9-speaker Fender branded audio system.

     The Jetta TDI models in S, SE with connectivity, and SEL trims generally mirror the gasoline counterparts above, with the exception of a 2.0 liter turbocharged diesel engine.

     The Jetta Hybrid SE, and SEL trims are also pretty much the same. Added highlights of the Hybrid SEL Premium include 17-inch alloy wheels, xenon headlamps, LED running lights, automatic wipers, a rear spoiler, parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and forward collision warning. The Fender audio system is also included.

     The Jetta GLI SE comes with a more powerful turbocharged engine, 18-inch alloy wheels, a sport tuned suspension, keyless ignition and entry, and essentially all of the standard Jetta SE with Connectivity package. The GLI SEL adds xenon headlamps, LED running lights, upgraded leatherette seating surfaces, a navigation system, the Fender audio system, and additional safety monitoring systems.

Photo from VW.com

     A Safety Package includes blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, and rear parking sensors is available on the gas engine equipped Jetta SE with Connectivity and Navigation, as well as the Jetta SEL.

     A Lighting Package adds xenon headlamps, LED running lights, interior ambient lighting, and an upgraded instrument cluster is available on the Jetta models with a gas engine, as long as it isn't a Base, or S. For the diesel-powered Jetta SEL, the contents of the Lighting and Safety packages are combined into a single option package.

     The 2015 Volkswagen Jetta Base and S trims come equipped with a 2.0 liter 4 cylinder engine that produces 115 horsepower, and 125 lb-ft of torque. A 5-speed manual transmission is standard, and a 6-speed automatic transmission is optional. EPA numbers are 23/34/26 with the automatic transmission, and 25/34/28 with the manual transmission.

     The Jetta SE and SEL feature a substantially stronger 1.8 liter turbocharged 4 clyinder engine that produces 170 horsepower, and 184 lb-ft of torque. The SE gets the same transmission options as the lower trim levels, while the SE with Connectivity or Navigation comes with the automatic transmission only. EPA numbers are 25/37/30 with the auto transmission, while the manual clocks in at 25/37/29 mpg.

   
The Jetta TDI features a newly designed turbocharged 2.0 liter 4 cylinder diesel engine that makes 150 horsepower, up 10 from last year, and 236 lb-ft of torque. A 6-speed manual transmission is standard, and a 6-speed DSG auto is optional.

Photo from VW.com

     Coupled with the DSG transmission, the TDI delivers EPA numbers of 31/45/36 mph, while the 6-speed manual comes in at 31/46/36 mpg. In performance testing the Jetta TDI with a manual transmission got up to 60 mph from a standing start in 8.1 seconds.

     The 2015 VW Jetta hybrid is powered by a 1.4 liter turbocharged engine that works side by side with a 20kw electric motor. Together they make 170 horsepower and 184 lb ft of torque that is routed to the front wheels via a 7-speed automated manual transmission.

     The 2015 Jetta GLI is powered by a 2.0 liter turbocharged 4 cylinder engine that sends 210 horsepower and 207 lb ft of torque to the front wheels. A 6-speed manual is standard, while the 6-speed DSG is optional.

   
The 2015 Jetta comes standard with traction and stability control, antilock disc brakes, front side airbags, side curtain airbags, and active front head restraints. A rear-view camera is included on the SEL and TDI models. VW's CarNet telematics system, is standard on SE with Connectivity on up, and is VW's version of OnStar. A CarNet smartphone app lets owners control many of the functions of the system on the go.

     New available electronic safety systems on the Jetta inlcude blind-spot monitoring, rear traffic alert, and forward collision warning. In crash testing, the Jetta earned 5/5 stars for overall protection from the IIHS. In brake testing, the Jetta TDI came to a stop from 60 mph in 130 feet, a little longer than average for this class of vehicle.

Photo from VW.com

     With the recent trend toward edgy shapes in technology focused interiors, the interior of the 2015 Jetta looks conservative by comparison. The Jetta's simple, functional gauges and dash could be judged either as a homage to the days when German design focused on the task of driving and little else, or as just behind the times. If you believe simplicity is best, then you are sure to have a good time behind the wheel of the Jetta.

     More impressive is the Jetta's trunk. With space coming in at 15.7 cubic feet, it has a larger trunk than some mid-size sedans.

     Unless you have plenty of time on your hands, I would recommend that you stay away from the Jetta that comes equipped with the 2.0 liter 4 cylinder non-turbocharged engine. For not much more money, you can move up to the SE trim that not only brings more standard goodies to the table, but you get the much more satisfying 1.8 liter 4 cylinder turbocharged engine. It gets better gas mileage, and you will be thankful every time you go to merge onto a highway.

     If you can afford the TDI, you will be rewarded with surprisingly strong power, in addition to the rather large fuel economy boost. The same can also be said for the Jetta Hybrid, but you will have to drive for awhile to see the payback.

     Although some versions of the Jetta offer a sport tuned suspension, there doesn't really seem to be to be much of an advantage over the base Jetta. Even the steering on the GLI isn't overly sharp when turning into corners, and the braking ability and overall cornering grip of the car are modest for a performance oriented vehicle. If you are just looking for a livelier Jetta sedan, than the GLI is a solid choice. The 2.0 liter 4 cylinder turbocharged engine delivers a solid whalop of power that you will feel around town and on fast moving highways. The engine has a great sound to it as well.

     No matter what trim level of Jetta that you pick, you are sure to find a solid road-trip companion, as ride comfort is pretty good, and the cabin is sealed off from the outside world.

Going Green: 2015 Lexus RX 450h

Photo from Lexus.com

  Launched well over 10 years ago, the Lexus RX hybrid was a bit of a trailblazer. It came as a shock to those people that thought  SUV's were by their very nature thirsty at the pump. Since its introduction, the number of premium hybrid SUV's on the market has grown significantly. But with the increase in competition, the RX hasn't become dull at all. It is surely a top pick in what has become an increasingly important segment.

Photo from Lexus.com

     The RX 450h succeeds because of a few key things you might hope to find in a luxury hybrid SUV: great gas mileage, smooth performance, a pretty comfortable cabin, and a wealth of standard amenities. With the EPA giving the 450h a combined rating of 30 mpg, it delivers a knock-out punch to the crowd of gas only luxury crossovers and is easily among the most efficient options in the hybrid luxury SUV segment. With most hybrids, great fuel economy comes at the high cost of performance, and I am proud to say that isn't the case with the RX 450h. The RX 450h is moved along by a healthy 3.5 liter V6 that is teamed up with electric motors and a battery pack. Ride quality is rather good, and the RX holds you in a cocoon like space over most road imperfections. The cherry on top is the wealth of space in the cabin, that is decked out with a lot of tech options.

Photo from Lexus.com

     The RX 450h can come equipped with either front-wheel or all-wheel drive. It comes standard with 18-inch alloy wheels, auto headlamps, fog lights, LED running lights, rear tinted windows, heated mirrors, power liftgate, keyless ignition and entry, dual-zone auto a/c, 8 way power front seats with 2 way power adjustable lumbar, leather wrapped power tilt-and telescoping steering wheel, sliding and reclining rear seats, cloth seating surfaces, and an auto dimming rear-view mirror.

    Bluetooth connectivity, and a 12-speaker sound system with all of the latest hook-ups for you iPod, or other audio devices.
 Standard electronic features include goodies like a 7-inch display screen, rear-view camera, Safety Connect,

Photo from Lexus.com

     Like the CT 200h that was reviewed earlier, the RX 450h gives you a lot of option packages to choose from, however your choices might be limited due to the area of the country that you live in.

   
The Premium package adds a sunroof, power folding and dimming mirrors, roof rails, leather trimmed seats and driver memory settings. A version of this package can even include a blind-spot monitoring system. The Luxury package includes everything from the Premium package, and then throws in things like 19-inch alloy wheels, a heated steering wheel, power driver seat cushion extender, upgraded leather trimmed seats, a household style power outlet, and smog-sensing auto climate control recirculation.

     The Comfort package requires that you select either the Premium or Luxury package, and includes automatic windshield wipers, xenon headlamps, as well as heated and ventilated front seats.

     The Navigation package also requires that you choose either the Premium or Luxury package, and includes a navigation system, voice controls, Remote Touch controller, HD radio, and Lexus Enform that includes Safety Connect.

   
 Depending upon which option package you select when you purchase or lease your Lexus RX 450h, stand-alone options can include things like LED headlamps, front and rear parking sensors, adaptive cruise control with pre-collision warning, a heads-up display, a dual-screen rear entertainment system, and a 15-speaker sound system.

Photo from Lexus.com

     As stated earlier, the power for the RX 450h comes from a 3.5 liter V6 that is mated to electric motors and a battery pack. Front wheel drive models have 2 motors, while the all-wheel drive equipped RX adds a third motor. Total system output is a respectable 295 horsepower, and is paired to a special CVT.

     In 9th Gear performance testing, the RX 450h was able to hit 60 mph in 7.4 seconds, with is a tiny bit slower than the RX 350. That time also places it in the middle of the pack when you compare it with other luxury SUV's. The upside to this though is the gas mileage. The EPA has rated the front-wheel drive 450h 32/28/30 mpg, while the all-wheel drive version comes in at 30/28/29 mpg.

     Every single 2015 Lexus RX 450h that rolls of the assembly line comes standard with safety features like a rear-view camera, antilock brakes, traction as well as stability control, front and rear side airbags, side curtain airbags, and front knee airbags. Also included is Safety Connect, with is like OnStar, just for Lexus.

     Optional safety features include parking sensors, a blind spot monitoring system, and adaptive cruise control that is linked to a pre-collision warning system. In brake testing, the big RX 450h came to a stop from 60 mph in 120 feet, which is just about average for the class of vehicle. Safety ratings also come in at 4/5 stars for overall crash protection.

Photo from Lexus.com

     Upscale trimmings, astounding build quality, and cutting edge tech options make the 450h look and feel like the hefty price tag it can come with. With the authentic wood trim and high quality leather seats, you will feel like you are truly driving a luxury vehicle. However, the front seats could use just a little more adjustment range, as both thigh and lateral support might be found lacking for you. Rear seat passengers will find the seating roomy and comfortable thanks in part to the sliding and reclining seats.

     With the 2015 Lexus RX 450h's compliant suspension setup, and great sound insulation isolate the passengers and you from the outside world and provide comfort on an road trip you choose to take. The hybrid powertrain is even pretty quiet. Initial get up can seem slow at times unless you really give it the beans, but overall the 450h feels quite a bit like its RX 350 sibling. Through the twisty stuff, it remains strong and confident, though it isn't anywhere near as sporty as some diesel powere luxury SUV's, and the steering can feel a touch heavy at times.

     Though the credentials are certainly impressive, the 2015 Lexus RX 450h does have some viable competition in the form of Infiniti QX60 Hyrbid, the Audi Q5 Hyrbid, and the Porsche Cayenne Hyrbid. However, the fuel economy of the 450h easily beats the competition, in addition to being one of the most affordable. Its assets make it an easy choice when shopping for a luxury SUV.

   

Going Green: Lexus CT 200h

     Are you a person that desires a car that is upscale, and stylish, yet practical to keep up with your lifestyle and kind enough to the environment to let you sleep at night? You very well may have come to the right review then, because that is exactly what the 2015 Lexus CT 200h is meant to do.

Photo from Lexus.com

     The compact luxury hatch has been on the market for a few years now, but it still manages to stand out from the crowd, for better or worse. The combination of attractive styling, and upscale amenities is certainly appealing, while the hatchback body style is surely more useful than that of a sedan. But what really sets this car apart from the other luxury hybrids is the EPA rating of 42 mpg combined.

 

 The CT 200h backs up its rather athletic looks with rather good handling that makes it feel more nimble than just about any other hybrid on the market today. However, the sporty styling of the car is writing checks that the bank just can't cash. With just 134 total horsepower on tap, which is no better than it's cousin the Toyota Prius, it is sorely lacking in the acceleration department. Also something to keep in mind is that while you can indeed fold the rear seats down, you can't really consider the interior cave like by any means.

     Standard equipment includes things like 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, heated mirrors with built-in turn signals and puddle lamps, sunroof, keyless entry and ignition, dual-zone a/c, leatherette (aka vinyl,) seating surfaces, 8-way power driver seat, split folding rear seats, tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, Bluetooth connectivity, and a six speaker sound system with a decent USB/iPod interface.

Photo from Lexus.com

     Like most other luxury vehicles, there are quite a number of options. However, your ability to select those options will depend upon which region of the country that you live in. The CT 200h's Seat Comfort package includes heated front seats and a 4-way power front passenger seat. The Premium package adds auto windshield wipers, an auto dimming rear-view mirror, and a 10-speaker audio system with a 6-disc cd changer. The Leather package adds leather upholstery, and memory settings for the driver. The Navigation package adds a rear-view camera, voice-controlled navigation, the remote touch interface, HD radio, Lexus' Enform as well as Safety Connect.

     A Display Audio Package includes the 10-speaker audio system, plus a 7-inch display screen, a rear-view camera, an additional USB port, and Remote Touch controller. The F Sport package includes unique 17-inch alloy wheels, a sportier tuned suspension, larger rear spoiler, and a small cornucopia of styling tweaks inside and out.

Photo from Lexus.com

     A small choice of stand alone options include things like LED low-beam headlamps, adaptive cruise control with pre-collision alert, front and rear parking sensors, and a back-up camera with the display built into the rear-view mirror.

     Power for the CT 200h comes from a 1.8 liter 4 cylinder engine paired to a couple of electric motors/generators and a nickel-metal hydride battery pack. Total system output is 134 horsepower, which is routed to the front wheels via CVT.

     In 9th Gear acceleration testing, the CT made it to 60 mph in a slow 10 seconds. Fuel economy is where this car shines, however. The EPA rates the vehicle at 42 MPG combined.

Photo from Lexus.com

     Standard safety features on the 2015 Lexus CT 200h include things like antilock disc brakes, stability as well as traction control, front and rear seat mounted side airbags, side curtain airbags, and dual front knee airbags. Lexus' Safety Connect is also standard, and includes amenities like collision notification, stolen vehicle location, and emergency assistance. a rear-view camera and front/rear parking sensors are available as options. In brake testing, the CT stopped in a respectable 120 feet from 60 mph.

   
 What you think about the 2015 Lexus CT 200h from behind the wheel has as much to do with you as it does with the car. If the sportier styling has led you to expect pulse quickening acceleration, than you will be sadly mistaken. If you go in expecting to find a fuel efficient nimble car, with enough power to get you from point a to b, you are sure to find this car pretty livable.

     The reasoning behind this is that the powertrain is tuned more for efficiency, rather than outright performance. The gasoline engine can sound labored when pushed, which to some doesn't seem overly fitting of a car wearing the Lexus badge.

     Otherwise, the powertrain hardware performs rather well, with no real complaints to register. As far as handling goes, the CT feels pretty nimble when you compare it to the other vehicles in the class of luxury hybrid. The ride quality is good, but might become a little jarring when you opt for the F Sport package.

   

Photo from Lexus.com

With the noted short comings in mind, some buyers might want to check out some other options. While it is considerably more expensive, the 2015 BMW 328d wagon is supposedly a much more satisfying vehicle to drive, and still delivers decent fuel economy thanks to the diesel engine. On the cheaper end of the price spectrum, the 2015 Ford C-Max, and 2015 VW Golf Sportwagen TDI are cheaper yet still provide much of the same experience of the Lexus, and they are even quicker to boot.

     All things considered, the 2015 Lexus CT 200h is quite likable enough, but it's only in taking a test drive that you will truly know if you will be able to live with the car.

   

Review Redo: Halo Car

     If you have been following my reviews, you will know that I have reviewed a Scion FR-S earlier in my career. However, over the past month, Scion was gracious enough to send me another one for review. These are my findings on the second car.

     Introduced just last year, the 2014 Scion FR-S carries over with hardly any changes. However, a touchscreen audio system now comes as standard, and they have added some extra padding to the door panels and center console of the car.

     Co-developed with Subaru, the FR-S easily outpaces the tC, the next sportiest car in the Scion lineup. Coming equipped with a 2.0 liter, flat 4 cylinder engine, that sends about 200 horsepower to the rear wheels, the car won't overwhelm you with acceleration, or power, but it is more than enough to make you feel like you are driving a rather sporty car. However, with the cars' light weight, almost perfect weight balance, low center of gravity, and rather good steering feel make driving on back roads a fun delight. If Porsche were to build a cheaper Cayman, you could assume that it would be a lot like the FR-S.

     Aside from its Subaru twin, the FR-S has no direct competitor. However, the closest competitors are the Ford Mustang, Hyundai Genesis Coupe, and the Nissan 370Z offer stronger engines and much quicker acceleration. Meanwhile, close in price performance hatchbacks like the Ford Focus ST offer better practicality, and a minimal loss in terms of numbers based performance. That being said, if big smokey burnouts and everyday use are things you are looking for in a sporty coupe, the FR-S might not be the car for you.

   

The four-seater, 2014 Scion FR-S comes in one trim level. Standard equipment includes such things like 17-inch wheels, A/C, full power accessories, a height adjustable drivers seat, a hard to find in smaller cars tilt-and telescoping steering wheel, cruise control, Bluetooth connectivity, and an 8-speaker sound system.

     In lieu of factory options, like all other Scion's, you can get an overwhelming number of dealer-installed accessories, like fog lights, or this testers performance exhaust system, which has quite a happy sound to it.

     Under that sleek looking hood is the heart of this beast, a 2.0 liter 4 cylinder boxer engine, that kicks out a healthy 200 horsepower, and 151 lb.-ft of torque. A 6-speed manual comes as standard, however you can get a 6-speed auto if you prefer to have the car do all the shifting for you. All power is routed to the rear wheels only.

     In performance testing, the automatic equipped FR-S made the sprint to 60 in a slow 8 seconds. The heavier yet more powerful coupes mentioned earlier could do it faster, for obvious reasons that don't need to be said.

     Fuel economy is  25 city/34 highway, which is ok, but given that it is a smaller car, it could be a little better.

     Standard safety features on the FR-S include ABS, traction and stability control, front seat side airbags, and full length curtain airbags.

 

 In brake testing, the FR-S came to a stop from 60 mph in 120 feet, a respectable distance for this little hot rod. In crash test ratings, the FR-S earned the highest possible rating of good from the IIHS in the moderate frontal overlap, side and roof strength test areas.

     Scion has made hardly and concessions in the cockpit of the FR-S. It is a simple, business like cabin that emphasizes driving, with a does of Toyota and Subaru materials and switches. The cockpit likes a little barren, compared to the likes of the Ford Focus ST, yet it feels like a back to basics sports car that Toyota has been missing since the departure of the Supra. As mentioned earlier, a touchscreen interface for the audio system, but opting for the BeSpoke system is still the only way outside of aftermarket units to get nav and smartphone app functionality.

     The front seats are quite firm, but offer great support for hard driving, but they remain somewhat comfortable over longer distances as well. Drivers of almost any size will be able to find a comfortable position, and the long, low hood offers a great view of the road ahead.

   

There is a backseat, but almost nobody will fit back there. Legroom is almost non-existant, heads bob up and down like a dinghy on rough seas, and the center tunnel impedes hip room. Trunk space is a small 6.9 cubic feet, although folding down the pretty much pointless back seat will increase that space generously.

     If you prefer a car that can set the freeways ablaze in a screen of tire  smoke, the Scion FR-S might not be the car for you.  Power is sufficient, but not much more than that. The FR-S compensates that with amazing grip, feel and thrills around bending corners. The level of control and communication with the driver is beyond anything in this price range. In addition, the feel of the brake pedal is firm, and the chassis remains happy, even over some of the worst roads in the area.  Even the automatic gearbox is tuned for sporty driving.

     Away from the twisty roads, driving the FR-S is still fun. It's quite easy to drive, with a good ride that makes civilized work of the daily commute or flat stretches of the road trip you want to take. However, there is a good amount of road noise coming through the cabin, especially on concrete freeways.