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Motoring

EUROPEAN RIVALS SHOULD BEWARE OF KIA K900

Test-drive stories by NITISH S. RELE, [email protected]

QX60 Head-up display? Power open/close trunk door and rear sunshade? Heated/cooled and reclining 60/40 rear seat? Three-zone auto climate control? A 12-way power driver and 8-way front-passenger seat? As you near the full-size ride with the credit card-sized smart key in your pocket, curiosity takes the best of you as rearview mirrors extend outward and perimeter lights are activated. All these in a Kia and more? You ask. You got that right. But then this also is the Korean carmaker’s premium flagship.

The steel unibody of the all-new K900 gets a 5.0-liter V-8 engine belting out 420 horsepower @ 6400 rpm and 376 pounds-feet of torque @ 5000 rpm. It is mated to a crisp 8-speed auto gear box. Providing an agile, poised ride is the five-link fully independent suspension. The electro-hydraulic power steering is quick and communicative. Best of all, the driver can choose normal, comfort, sport and snow modes depending on road/weather conditions. The result is speedy and smooth acceleration from any speed.

The long hood of the K900 catches up with adaptive LED headlights that flank the familiar Kia emblem with a mesh grille. Walk to the rear of this handsomely designed sedan and a centered chrome bezel bar across the deck lid meets trapezoidal tail lamps. The interior is as top-notch and upscale as any of the German competitors with Nappa leather on the front heated/cooled seats, power tilt/telescopic steering column and shifter. Fine wood on the doors and center console blends perfectly with the rich-appearing leather. A knob in the center console, a la the BMW iDrive interface, operates audio, navigation, telephone and UVO eServices but needs slight patience. Six-footers can sit at ease in the sofa-like and well-appointed back seat. Other standard features include a 12.3-inch LCD instrument panel, manual side sunshades, a Lexicon 900-watt sound system to thrill audiophiles, panoramic sunroof, 9.2-inch navigation display and 15.9 cubic feet of trunk space.

The car comes with a plethora of standard electronic safety features, including dual front and side airbags, side curtain airbag, four-wheel antilock brakes with electronic stability and traction controls, side impact door beams, blind spot detection, rear-cross traffic alert and lane departure warning, advanced smart cruise control, rear/rear camera display and parking sensors, front and rear three-point seatbelts, tire pressure monitoring and daytime running lights.

Weighing well over 4,500 pounds, the forceful engine provides plenty of vim and vigor for the large sedan. And if you ever wanted to be treated to royalty, the K900 is up to the task. That it comes with a 10-year or 100,000-mile power train, a five-year or 60,000-mile basic warranty and roadside assistance, and a three-year, 37,500-mile complimentary scheduled maintenance is a bonus. Watch out BMW, Mercedes and Lexus. You’ve been forewarned.

K900 (VIP PACKAGE)

THRIFTY CIVIC HYBRID GOES THE DISTANCE … FARTHER THAN BEFORE!

QX60Last year, EPA estimates for the Civic hybrid were 44/44/44 mpg. In 2014, Honda has bettered those figures with 44 city/45 combined/47 highway. With gas prices still above $3 a gallon, that’s a welcome sign. And a sales booster too.

Not that the Japanese carmaker has replaced the power train with a more efficient one. In fact, this front-wheel-drive sedan is still equipped with a 1.5-liter engine (with Integrated Motor Assist) that develops 110 horsepower at 5500 rpm and 127 pounds-feet of torque at 1500 rpm. The inline-4 cylinder engine is mated to an electric motor, powered by a lighter 20-kw lithium-ion battery. However, some aerodynamic upgrades and modifications have helped to increase fuel economy slightly. But hey, we will take it. Steering feedback is conveyed via a standard Continuously Variable Transmission in the gas-electric hybrid, which continues to be offered in four trims.

The Civic delivers a slightly revised regenerative braking system for additional fuel savings. When brakes are applied, the electric power functions as a generator, converting the captured kinetic energy into useable electricity to recharge the battery. Want to eke out further fuel efficiency? Just press the ECON button. Also part of the Eco Assist system is the plant leaf graphics, which tracks driving habits.

New for 2014 is the 7-inch display audio touchscreen, smart entry with push button and the expanded view driver’s mirror. The Multi-Information Display (i-MID) includes a 5-inch LCD screen with readings for audio, trip computer, fuel economy and navigation. Other standard amenities include heated front seats, auto a/c, leather seats, tilt/telescopic steering column, HD radio, 160-watt audio system, height-adjustable driver seat and exterior temperature display.

Dual front and side airbags, side curtain airbag, four-wheel antilock brakes, electronic brake distribution and brake assist, vehicle stability assist, side-impact door beams, lane departure and forward collision warnings, three-point seatbelts for all, tire pressure monitoring and daytime running lights are standard.

With hip styling, tolerable performance and economical fuel use, the Civic hybrid makes for an impressive package. Honda’s reputation for durability and reliability should help seal the deal for the indecisive ones.

CIVIC HYBRID (WITH NAV)

2015 acura rdx DELIVERS A ROBUST PERFORMANCE

QX60Why tinker with success? Apparently, that’s what Acura appears to be signaling as the Japanese luxury division of Honda gears up for its 2015 RDX to hit the dealer showrooms. Since it was overhauled inside out in 2013, the small luxury crossover will maintain its status quo with a 3.5-liter V-6 engine cranking out 273 horsepower @ 6200 rpm and 251 pounds-feet of torque @ 5000 rpm under the hood. A variable cylinder management system deactivates up to half of the cylinders at lower speeds to enhance gas efficiency. The 6-speed auto gearbox operates with perfect logic.

Keeping the SUV steady at all times is a MacPherson strut front and multilink rear suspension to result in a well-damped ride. Thanks to Electric Power Steering, which means no hoses or pumps, there are fewer trips to the gas station. The front-wheel-drive model EPA estimates are 20/28 mpg whereas the all-wheel drive 19/27 mpg.

Offered in Base and Base with Tech package, the RDX starts from $34,895 to $39,995.

Noticeable immediately is the spacious rear-seat legroom and cargo space. Standard amenities include 8-way driver and four-way front-passenger power and heated seats, dual-zone auto climate control, 60/40 rear seat, tilt/telescopic steering column, 360-watt Acura premium sound system, and power moon roof. The Tech package gets you navigation system, power tailgate and multi-view rear camera, xenon HID headlights.

Dual front and side airbags, side curtain airbag for both rows, four-wheel antilock brakes with Electronic Brake Distribution and Brake Assist, Vehicle Stability Assist with traction control, front and rear crumple zones, three-point seatbelts, active front head restraints, side impact door beams, immobilizer theft-deterrent system, tire pressure monitoring system and daytime running lights are standard.

The stylish and athletic RDX boasts a powerful performance, tasteful and practical cabin, and respectable fuel economy. If in the market for a premium crossover, we recommend a test drive. It will be worth the effort.

RDX

CX-5 PROVES TO BE A WORTHY REPLACEMENT

QX60In only its second year as a new model, the Mazda CX-5 has turned out to be an outstanding replacement for the now-defunct Tribute and CX-7. Seating five in comfort and style, this compact crossover understandably carries on as is in 2015 with keyless entry and ignition standard on Touring and Grand Touring trims.

Our 2.5-liter inline-4 cylinder engine put out 184 horsepower @ 5700 rpm and 185 pounds-feet of torque @ 3250 rpm while mated to a 6-speed auto transmission. The front-wheel-drive SUV is equipped with the direct-injection Skyactiv, which uses a torque boost via a high compression ratio to increase fuel economy. We averaged 27 mpg in city and 32.8 on highway, beating EPA estimates (25/32).

Dual front and side airbags, side curtain airbag, dynamic stability and traction controls, four-wheel antilock brakes, hill launch assist, blind spot monitoring system, front/rear crumple zones and stabilizer bars, rearview camera, three-point safety belts for all, tire pressure monitoring system and daytime running lights are standard.

A familiar five-point grille blends flawlessly with the black trapezoidal eagle-eyed headlights on the outside. The well-crafted and intelligently-designed cabin conveys a tailored and upscale look. Head and legroom is adequate for adults and, best of all, is the 40/20/40 split rear seat, which folds flat via a lever release. This opens up 64.8 cubic feet of space in the cargo hold.

The CX-5 is available in base Sport, Touring and Grand Touring. Standard amenities include power windows and door locks, push-button start, air-conditioning, trip computer, tilt/telescopic steering column and a flat 40/20/40 rear seat for 64.8 cubic feet of cargo space. The top-level Grand Touring fetches dual-zone auto climate control, leather seats, power sun roof, eight-way driver’s seat and a Bose sound system.

In just a year, the CX-5 has carved a niche in the packed compact crossover field. It delivers not only generous room for passengers and cargo but also bold looks, sportiness and laudable fuel mileage. Mazda, take a bow for a job well done.

MAZDA CX-5 GRAND TOURING (FWD)

HONDA HAS THE PERFECT ‘FIT’ FOR YOUR NEEDS!

QX60As though it wasn’t roomy enough, Honda has pumped up the 2015 Fit by nearly 4.9 cubic feet of passenger volume and rear seat legroom. Length is down by 1.6 inches but you won’t notice the change in this popular subcompact hatchback.

The revamped third-generation Fit is fitted with a 1.5-liter inline-4 cylinder engine developing 130 horsepower @ 6600 rpm and 114 pounds-feet of torque @ 4600 rpm. Our test drive EX-L (LX, EX trims available) came with the continuous variable transmission though a 6-speed manual with direct fuel injection is also offered. Suspension is handled via a front MacPherson strut and a rear torsion beam. The electric power steering system is swift and accurate. Stopping abilities are taken care of by 10.3-inch ventilated front and 7.9-inch rear drum discs.

Slimmer multi-reflector halogen headlights surround a familiar honeycomb grille with an aggressive lower intake on the unit-body-based HHFit. Step in and the back-lit blue dials for tachometer, centered speedometer, fuel and driver information center will leave you impressed. Offering a robust feel is the three-spoke tilt/telescopic steering wheel. The 60/40 rear seat, which folds flat into the door with the flip of a lever, opens up 52.7 cubic feet of space. It’s truly in the storage department that the Fit shines – 10 cup holders, front/rear door pocket bins, sizeable glove box, passenger side seatback pocket and an under-seat tray. Other standard conveniences include heated leather seats, push-button start, power moon roof, height-adjustable driver seat, 7-inch display touch screen, a/c and HD radio.

Dual front and side airbags, side curtain airbag, four-wheel antilock brakes with brake assist and electronic brake distribution, vehicle stability assist, front active head restraints, front/rear crumple zones, three-point seat belts, side impact door beams, rearview camera, tire pressure monitoring system and daytime running lights are standard. A handy feature is LaneWatch, which displays a wide-angle view of the passenger side road on the i-MID (Intelligent Multi-Information Display). The image appears when the right turn signal is activated.

The Fit boasts an energetic, fun-to-drive ride, bold styling and an elegant but airy cabin. With gas prices still above $3 a gallon, the reasonable subcompact car is a no-brainer. After all, we earned 34 mpg in city and up to 42 on highway beating 32/38 EPA estimates.

FIT EX-L (WITH NAV)

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