DECEMBER 2020
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Motoring

REVAMPED 2020 SUBARU LEGACY A WORTHY DAILY RIDE

Test-drive stories by NITISH S. RELE –motoringtampabay.com

With Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, Mazda6 and more, competition is vicious in the midsize sedan segment. One competent vehicle that has not received as much attention in the field is the Subaru Legacy, which displays incredible nimbleness, remarkable handling and response. Partial credit, of course, goes to the standard symmetrical all-wheel-drive system that Subaru equips in all its vehicles.

For 2020, the seventh-generation Legacy has been totally redesigned inside out. A 2.4-liter horizontally-opposed, turbo 4-cylinder engine produces a healthy 260 horsepower @ 5600 rpm and 277 pounds-feet of torque @ 4800 rpm. Power routed through the revamped continuous variable transmission with 8-speed manual-shift capabilities contributes to a potent performance while ensuring fuel savings. The revised independent MacPherson strut front and a double wishbone rear suspension results in a delightfully supple ride. Steering response with the rack-and-pinion power assist is sharp, precise and perfectly weighted. Zero to 60 is achieved in 6.1 seconds, not bad for a car weighing 3,779 pounds.

Ensconced on the unitized body structure is a frameless hexagonal grille and lower air intake with centered Subaru star cluster insignia, flanked by C-shaped LED headlights. Outdoor-loving folks will appreciate the mounting brackets atop the roof to haul a canoe or surf board. A twin cockpit with electroluminescent analog gauge displays for speedometer, tachometer, fuel and coolant temperature give the cabin a rich feel. An all-new and mammoth 11.6-inch tablet-style touch screen to control navigation, audio and phone along with circular control knobs is easy to use. Drivers of different heights in the family will appreciate the three-spoke tilt/telescopic steering column. Trunk capacity of 15.1 cubic feet matches rival offerings. And 1.4 inches of additional cargo floor length is welcome. Other standard comforts are dual auto a/c, 10-way adjustable power driver and eight-way passenger seats, 60/40 fold rear seat, rear-seat a/c outlets, overhead sunglass holder and power moon roof.

Safety features include dual front and side airbags, side curtain airbag for both rows, driver knee airbag, four-wheel antilock brakes with electronic brake distribution and brake assist, vehicle dynamic control, stability and traction system, rearview camera, blind-spot detection with lane change assist and rear cross traffic alert, reverse auto brakes, tire pressure monitoring system and daytime running lights. The standard Eyesight assist monitor, which features lane departure warning and active cruise control, ensures that the driver maintains a straight path while the DriverFocus distraction mitigation system sounds a warning if its camera and facial recognition software finds tiredness signs or driver diversion.

A standard all-wheel drive to maintain stability in untoward road/weather conditions, first-rate and spacious cabin and, best of all, admirable gas mileage (going nearly 480 miles on a tank) makes the Legacy a great everyday sedan.

LEGACY LIMITED XT

SPORT COUPE BUFFS WILL LOVE THE INFINITI Q60!

Not much is acknowledged about the Q60 (like a BMW or Benz offering) but the luxury sport coupe from Infiniti but should be on any prospective buyer’s radar. Carrying over from last year, the Q60 is equipped with a 3.0-liter V-6 twin-turbocharged engine cranking out 400 horsepower @ 6400 rpm and 350 pounds-feet of torque @ 5200 rpm. Available as a rear-wheel or all-wheel drive, the energetic ride is coupled to a 7-speed auto gearbox. Credit for the superbly accurate steering goes to a power-assist, rack-and-pinion system. Behind the wheels hide large rotors: front four-piston 14 inches at front and rear two-piston 13.8 inches to inspire confidence in the driver. Lest we forget, you can enjoy the Q60 in standard, eco, snow, sport, sport+ and personal modes.

Up front, the chromed double-arch grille and wide hood are surrounded by LED headlights and daytime running lights. Distinct brushed finish exhaust tips made just for our Red Sport edition deck the rear. The active grille shutters not only lessen aerodynamic drag but also improve engine warm up, retain heat and ensure fuel savings. If anyone tells you that the Infiniti cabin isn’t on par with its German rivals, point out the gorgeous-appearing matte black chrome and carbon fiber accents. The updated InTouch infotainment system, which comes with 8- and 7-inch dual touch screens atop each other, is easy to use. A familiar Infiniti double-wave instrument panel lights up with electroluminescent analog gauges. Also standard are eight-way power front leather seats, dual auto a/c, solid magnesium paddle shifters, 60/40 rear seat, Bose audio with 13 speakers, aluminum pedals and sill plates with ‘Infiniti’ insignia, power tilt/telescopic three-spoke steering column and moon roof.

Dual front and side airbags, side curtain airbag, four-wheel antilock brakes, vehicle dynamic and traction controls, forward collision and blind spot warning, front seatbelts with pretensioners, hill start assist, remote keyless entry, rearview camera, zone body construction, energy-absorbing steering column, tire pressure monitoring system and daytime running lights come at no extra cost.

Push the start button to summon the twin-turbocharged engine and the rev-happy Q60 emits an exhaust rumble that will delight any sports coupe buff. Abundant luxury features, snappy performance and a robust steering feel make a wonderful combination in the four-seater. And a head-turner ride to boot.

Q60 (RED SPORT)

FORD RANGER RETURNS AFTER 8-YEAR ABSENCE!

The Ranger is back in town! After an eight-year hiatus, the fourth-gen Ford Ranger returned last year and, we must say, it has been quite a feat. The rear-wheel-drive (4X2) version of the midsize pickup was equipped with a 2.3-liter EcoBoost inline-4 cylinder putting out 270 horsepower @ 5500 rpm and 310 pounds-feet of torque @ 3000 rpm. EcoBoost is essentially twin turbochargers and a smaller-displacement engine working in tandem with gasoline direct injection to produce a dominant but fuel-efficient engine.

Mated to the power train, providing seamless shifts, is a 10-speed automatic gear box. Guiding the truck is an electric power-assist steering while suspension is handled up front by a short-long-arm independent and a Hotchkiss-type non-independent live rear. The result is a remarkably supple ride that soaks obstacles with dexterity, sure-footedness and poise.

Conveying a bold and brawny appearance, and understandably so, is a black wide-mesh raked grille with LED headlights and fog lamps, body-color door handles and wheel lip moldings. Take a seat behind the robust leather-wrapped steering column and you find yourself staring at a speedometer flanked by two 2.3-inch LCD screens. Sync3, which accesses audio, telephone, navigation controls via a voice command, 8-inch touchscreen tap or button click, is simple to use. Other amenities at no cost are dual auto a/c, eight-way power and heated front seats, 60/40 easy-fold rear bench, overhead sun glass holder, push-button start, and a 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system. Our 5-foot-bed Super crew cab came with the optional FX2 package ($595), which fetched us an electronic locking rear differential, front underbody guard; and off-road tires, tuned suspension and cluster screen.

Standard safety features are dual front and side airbags, side curtain airbag, four-wheel antilock brakes with electronic stability and traction control, blind spot monitor, cross-traffic alert, pre-collision and lane-keep aid with auto emergency brake, rearview camera, front and rear three-point seatbelts, tire pressure monitor and daytime running lights.

It’s a warm homecoming for the Ranger in a crowded and highly competitive midsize pickup market. Though by no means a full-size truck, this Ford serves the purpose of one with commanding cargo and towing capability, and adequate fuel efficiency while delivering a utilitarian ride. Welcome back, Ranger!

FORD RANGER (LARIAT)

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