ENJOY TREMENDOUS SAVINGS WITH FUEL-SIPPER PRIUS c
The Prius family has multiplied once again. The original Prius, the larger Prius V and the Prius plug-in hybrid now get a smaller Prius c as in city. The all-new ride for 2012 is 18 inches shorter and 500 pounds lighter than the Prius though it does share the hybrid synergy drive system.
The 1.5-liter DOHC inline-4 cylinder gas engine develops just 73 horsepower @4800 rpm and 82 pounds-feet of torque @ 4000 rpm. An electric motor boasts hp up by another 26. The subcompact hatchback also is fitted with a 144-volt nickel-metal hydride battery, which are recharged by energy captured as the driver applies the brakes or coasts. Also, the Continuous Variable Transmission-equipped car gets a regenerative braking system. When the car is coasting or the brakes are applied, the electric power functions as a generator, capturing kinetic energy that would normally be lost as heat through the brakes. Instead, it converts the energy into useable electricity for recharging the batteries.
The Prius operates in three modes: EV, which is electric at lower speeds of up to 25 mph; ECO, which is an efficient mode where the driver can control the throttle opening; normal, for regular driving.
A Multi-information Display with energy monitor, fuel consumption history, hybrid system indicator and odometer with twin trip meters will come in handy for drivers who like to eke out every gallon of gas. Also useful is the central instrument display with digital speedometer, instant fuel consumption, fuel gauge and shift-lever indicator.
This urban-friendly car earned us nearly 50 mpg in a mix of city/highway driving. Based at 18,950 and reaching up to $23,230 depending on the trim (four are offered), the power-lacking Prius c can get noisy on the road. But awesome gas mileage, affordable price and adequate passenger/cargo room more than compensate for any deficiency.
PRIUS c
Wheelbase: 100.4 inches
Length: 157.3 inches
Width: 66.7 inches
Height: 56.9 inches
Suspension: front, independent MacPherson strut; rear, torsion beam
Steering: electric power-assisted rack and pinion
Tires: 175/65R15
Weight: 2,500 pounds
Fuel capacity: 9.5 gallons
Mileage: 53 city, highway 46, combined 50 mpg
Web site: www.toyota.com
ALL-NEW JX35 DELIVERS PERFORMANCE, STYLE
Infiniti must believe in the idiom: the more the merrier. Slotted between the five-seater FX35 crossover and the large QX56 SUV comes the all-new 2013 JX35. The first seven-passenger crossover from Nissan’s luxury division is available in front-wheel or rear-wheel drive. The sole power train is a 3.5-liter V-6 engine belting out an adequate 265 horsepower @ 6400 rpm and 248 pounds-feet of torque @ 4400 rpm. It results in a smooth, quiet and compliant ride.
The seamless Continuous Variable Transmission can be shifted manually while drive modes range from standard to sport, and eco to snow. An independent strut front and a multilink rear suspension works well to absorb unpleasant bumps on the road. Steering response with the hydraulic electric rack feels precise, accurate and perfectly weighted.
Kudos to the exterior styling, emphasized by a double-wave hood that meets up with a massive double-arch grille, flanked by xenon headlights and fog lamps. The well-lit cabin is classic Infiniti with top-notch materials and frills such as a rearview camera and a tri-zone auto climate control. For convenience, the second-row seat slides fore/aft by 5½ inches for easier ingress/egress to the third-row seat.
Of course, all this comes at a price of $40,650 for the FWD and $42,050 for the AWD versions. The options total up to $55,000. We averaged 19.5 mpg in our week’s city/highway driving in the FWD test drive, which EPA estimates at 18/24 and 18/23 for the AWD.
Indeed, the JX is rather bulky and heavier on the wallet once you check all the boxes. But the new entrant is a fine blend of performance and style. Tech-laden goodies such as lane departure and front-collision warning, and blind spot alert, should convince skeptical buyers to sign on the dotted line.
JX35 (FWD)
Tires: 235/65R18 all season
Wheelbase: 114.2 inches
Length: 196.4 inches
Weight: 4,280 pounds
Fuel capacity: 19.5 gallons
Web site: www.infinitiusa.com
OVERLOOKED SUBARU IMPREZA IS A STEAL OF A DEAl
Redesigned for 2012, the Subaru Impreza gets an all-new 2.0-liter horizontally-opposed boxer 4-cylinder engine to replace the 2.5-liter power train. Instead of the previous 170 hp, the compact car now puts out 148 horsepower @ 6200 rpm and 145 pounds-feet of torque @ 4200 rpm. A 5-speed manual or continuous variable-speed auto transmission are offered in the fourth-generation sedan.
The four-wheel independent MacPherson-type strut front and a double wishbone rear suspension soak up bumps and maintain stability in the standard symmetrical all-wheel-drive ride. An electric power-assist steering shows an eagerness to change directions when you turn the wheel.
With a slightly longer wheelbase (about 1 inch) and 160 pounds lighter than its predecessor, the Impreza sports a new hexagonal grille surrounded by hawk-eye headlights and an even more raked windshield. The cabin embodies clean and simple layout with a driver information center the focus of the dashboard, and chrome trim rings around the instrument gauges. The 60/40-split rear-seat passengers gain 2 extra inches of legroom. Also standard are automatic climate control, eco gauge for gas savings, chrome door handles, tilt/telescopic steering column with paddle shifters, supple leather seats and a height-adjustable driver’s seat.
Standard safety features include dual front and side airbags, side curtain airbag, driver’s knee airbag, four-wheel antilock brakes with electronic brake distribution and brake assist, vehicle dynamic control with traction control, remote keyless entry, three-point seatbelts, front seatbelt pretensioners, tire pressure monitoring system and daytime running lights.
Best of all is the miserly fuel consumption of 30 mpg in city and up to 37 on highway (EPA estimates are 27 city/37 highway). And of course the $21,859 base offering on the Limited edition is a steal. Anyone looking to purchase a comfy, good-looking, fun to drive, stylish and agile compact car would find that the Impreza fulfills all their needs.
IMPREZA LIMITED
Tires: 205/50R17
Wheelbase: 104.1 inches
Length: 180.3 inches
Weight: 3,052 pounds
Fuel capacity: 14.5 gallons
Web site: www.subaru.com