MAZDA’S CX-50 CHECKS OFF A LOT OF BOXES!

The CX-50 small SUV is Mazda’s effort to squeeze into the segment with a competitive vehicle. Bumper2Bumpertv thinks the brand may have come up with a strong entry to consider.

TOYOTA TACOMA TRD HAS A BIGGER FOOTPRINT AND MORE!!

The 2020 version of the Toyota Tacoma TRD makes no excuses for itself as a go anywhere small truck. Bumper2Bumpertv says that doesn’t mean we should take it for granted.

The VW Bug is going away, catch it before it disappears.

The iconic VW Beetle is in its final year of production. Bumper2Bumpertv has a look at the final edition which is part of a long legacy of the brand.

The 2019 Hyundai Tucson, packed to the gills!!

There are a lot of compact crossovers in the market and what they offer can differ widely. But as Bumper2Bumpertv has found the Hyundai Tucson offers a well thought out combination of technology, drive train ability and comfort in one vehicle.

Lexus SUV’s may have to look over their shoulder at the competition.

The Lexus brand well known for luxury sedans and SUV’s gets a lot of competition these days. As Bumper2Bumpertv tells us the company may want to rethink what technology it offers as standard equipment in light of the challenges.

The Tundra TRD Pro plays with the big boys!!

Toyota has proven that a well-designed light duty truck can be created by a non domestic brand. Bumper2Bumpertv has a look at the Tundra TRD Pro which is ready to tackle any kind of road even if it isn’t paved.

Mazda CX9, a crossover that plays with the big boys.

Can a full sized crossover from a smaller automaker finds its own place in the sun? The Mazda CX9 appears to have done just that according to Bumper2Bumpertv

Mitsubishi Outlander GT, a step above the ordinary.

The Outlander GT tries to put more muscle into the crossover. But as Bumper2Bumpertv finds, there are still a few shortcomings with the platform.

2017 Mazda CX5

Mazda's entry in the small crossover segment has a new skin , an upgraded power plant and some very nice features in the top of the line model. Check it out and see if you agree with the assessment made by Bumper2Bumpertv.

VW 's small sedan with big features!!

THE AUTO PAGE

BY

JOHN HEILIG

·        MODEL: 2016 Volkswagen Jetta 1.4

·        ENGINE: 1.4-liter DOHC turbocharged I-4

·        TRANSMISSION: 6-speed automatic

·        HORSEPOWER/TORQUE: 150 hp @ 5,000 rpm/184 lb.-ft. @ 1,400 rpm

·        WHEELBASE: 104.4 in.

·        LENGTH X WIDTH X HEIGHT: 183.3 x 70.0 x 57.2 in.

·        TIRES: P205/55R16

·        CARGO: 15.7 cu. ft.

·        ECONOMY: 28 mpg city/39 mpg highway/32.6 omg test

·        FUEL TANK: 14.5 gal.

·        CURB WEIGHT: 3,025 lbs.

·        COMPETITIVE CLASS: Audi A3, Chevrolet Cruse, Ford Focus

·        STICKER: $23,145 (includes $820 delivery)

·        BOTTOM LINE: In a crowded field of tinny compact cars, the Volkswagen Jetta stands out with its solidity and comfort. 

            There are compact cars and there are compact cars. While most of the cars in the segment are Asian, the Teutonic Volkswagen Jetta stands out. Where slamming the doors in some other cars may be a risk because you fear it may fall apart, the Jetta has a solid sound when you shut the door. No, it isn’t a Rolls-Royce, but is also isn’t your normal econobox. 

            Dimensionally, the Jetta stands out as well. It feels as if there is more passenger volume than some other cars we have driven. This is borne out with very good rear seat legroom,that rivals many mid-size cars. But, although VW claims the Jetta is a five-seater, there’s no way a middle passenger in the back could find comfort with that tall center hump in the rear.

            Under the hood is a 1.4-liter turbocharged four that replaces the 2.0-liter four in last year’s model. It delivers a respectable 150 horses fairly quietly to the front wheels and 184 lb.-ft. of torque. This results in very good acceleration from stop signs and when merging into traffic. I have one stop sign where there is a blind right-hand turn for the cars coming toward me and I often have to tromp on the pedal to make it onto the road safely. The Jetta did a great job for me. With my old full-size van, however, there were time when I would pull out and have to immediately pull off the road to allow oncoming speedsters to move on.

            Ride quality and handling are good under most normal conditions, although I must admit we didn’t stress the Jetta too much. While we hit a variety of roads from Interstate to local to-the-supermarket roads, we did stay away from more difficult roads. The Jetta rides and drives more like a mid-size than a compact.

            Jetta underwent a 2015 redesign that didn’t change the character of the car that much. It is still a Jetta and conforms to the VW family style (excluding the Beetle, of course). Again, in a segment of fairly similar cars, there’s no denying that the Jetta is a German car and a VW to boot.

            Volkswagen has installed its new MIB II 5.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system in the Jetta. MIB II supports Apple Car Play, Android Auto and Mirror Link with USB and VW-Car Net App-Connect (available by subscription). With this extensive menu, just about any type of entertainment the driver and passengers might want is available. We, however, stuck with the radio and felt the sound quality was excellent.

            The Jetta has an interesting stop/start system. The “normal” key slot is plugged, and even though a key is available on the fob, it isn’t used. There’s a pushbutton start/stop just ahead off the shifter on the center console. 

            The driver grips a fat flat-bottomed wheel with cruise switches, audio and information panel choices. The instrument panel is basic, with a tachometer, information panel, and speedometer. 

            For heating and cooling, there is a set of three knobs for temperature, fan speed and air direction. It takes some getting used to but once learned it is easy. 

            The front seats offer good support in the kidney area as fellas in the seat. Of course, there is the requisite pair of cup holders on the center console and room for water bottles in all four doors. The pull-down armrest between the outboard rear seats holds a pair of cup holders as well. There is also a pass-through to the trunk when you pull down the arm rest. 

            The trunk is a good size at 15.7 cubic feet. The rear seat backs can be folded flat to accommodate more cargo is wanted. Releases for the rear seat backs are located in the trunk.

            Overall, the Jetta has a solid feel and ride quality that belies its size. It’s a compact that wants to be a mid-size.

(c) 2016 The Auto Page Syndicate 

Mazda tries to grow by going smaller with the CX-3

Mazda has enjoyed some success with the development of a line of crossover based vehicles. Now they are going squarely after the urban driver market with the CX-3. Bumper2Bumpertv says the move is a recognition of changing times in the automotive marketplace.

Destroying the stereotype, the KIA Sorento

When a crossover upgrades its styling, improves its handling and delivers a near luxury driving experience can it still be called 'an affordable option" Bumper2bumpertv has a look at the Sorento from KIA which is trying to fill in all of those boxes.

2014 KIA Cadenza

KIA is trying to "grow" its brand with a few luxury offerings. Bumper2Bumpertv has a look at a mid size entrant in the luxury sport sedan segment that draws on proven technology.

2014 Chevrolet Silverado

The truck wars are on again in Detroit!! The Chevy Division of General Motors has done some engineering and some reconfiguring of the Silverado truck to make it competitive again. Bumper2Bumpertv has a look at what is new on the platform.