First Drive: 2016 Nissan Sentra
Nissan has upped the quality, handling and quietness, so the new 2016 Nissan Sentra continues to be a serious player in the compact car class.
News: 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-in Minivan
The 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid will have a 30-mile all-electric driving range and is expected to deliver up to 80 MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent) on EPA tests. The powertrain centers on a 3.6-liter Atkinson cycle Pentastar V-6 gas engine. It’s mated to a two-motor hybrid system that substitutes for a transmission and operated like an electrified version of a continuously-variable transmission (CVT). A 16-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack is located under the second row of seats, which preserves Chrysler’s Stow ‘n Go seating and storage for the third row.
Road Test: 2016 Scion iA with Six-Speed Manual
With intense competition in the subcompact category, the 2016 Scion iA needed to have its game face on. Among others, the Toyota Yaris, Honda Fit, Kia Forte, Fiat 500, Ford Fiesta, Nissan Versa and Chevrolet Spark and Sonic all are established in the market and have a following. Basing the iA on the Mazda2 gave Scion a head start with solid Mazda design and build quality plus excellent highway fuel economy of 41 mpg.
Road Test: 2016 Chevrolet Impala Bi-Fuel
Only Chevrolet offers a full-size sedan with a CNG option, the 2016 Chevrolet Impala Bi-Fuel.
Road Test: 2016 Honda Fit
None of the competitors to of the 2016 Honda Fit provide the type of space versatility the Fit does. Plus, the Fit delivers unexpected performance, a long list of standard and available features and exceptional fuel economy.
Road Test: 2016 Scion iM
The 2016 Scion iM with its high highway mileage, comfortable ride, roomy interior and standard equipment make it better-suited as a commuter car than a sporty five-door.
Road Test: 2015 Volkswagen Jetta 1.8T SE Automatic
In its sixth generation, the 2015 Jetta 1.8T SE has had minor but important interior and exterior design changes that continue its top ranking in the compact category for comfort, interior spaciousness, fuel economy and ease of operation.
Road Test: 2016 Honda HR-V AWD
If practical, well-engineered interior versatility and fuel economy are your priorities, the 2016 Honda HR-V could be the subcompact crossover for you.
Silicon Valley Invades Your Engine
Tula has developed software algorithms that do something engineers in Detroit, Tokyo and Stuttgart had not thought possible—to shut off different cylinders independently, giving the engine power as needed in a given situation, but saving fuel by giving it only the power needed and not firing any extras cylinders.
2016 Chevrolet Volt Nabs Green Car of the Year
Chevrolet’s all-new, second generation Volt was named 2016 Green Car of the Year at s Los Angeles Auto Show in November.