A FIRST LOOK AT THE 2024 FORD RANGER

What we refer to these days as a mid size truck is actually pretty close in dimensions to what used to be considered a full size pickup. So when Bumper2Bumpertv was invited to Camp Ford in Dexter Michigan, we weren’t surprised by the size of the next generation of the Ranger.

VW ID7, THE NEW CROWN PRINCE OF ELECTRICS

The Volkswagen brand continues its commitment to moving away from internal combustion powered passenger cars. Bumper2Bumpertv says the latest offering in that the Battery Electric space is the 2024 ID7

2021 GENESIS G80 A FIRST DRIVE

Genesis is pushing ahead with a redesigned G80 mid size luxury sedan> Bumper2Bumpertv got a chance to check it out for 36 hours and came away impressed

NISSAN KICKS, A SMALL SUV FACING A BIG CHALLENGE

The 2020 version of the Nissan Kicks is trying to move beyond a perception as a quirky small SUV to a vehicle that can meet a specific need. Bumper2Bumpertv notes there are some updates available in it worth noting.

Checking the boxes, 2018 VW Passat

It was not that long ago that the Volkswagen brand was focused on restoring its good name follow a diesel emission cheating scandal. But now the company is back to building well thought out cars and suv’s.Bumper2Bumpertv has a look at the mid size entry, the Passat.

A first look at the 2019 Chevy Blazer!!

Chevrolet is reviving the Blazer, not as a workhorse SUV but now as part of a lineup of crossovers. Bumper2Bumpertv has a first look at the restyled and reengineered classic.

Lexus ES350,a luxury offering that keeps working.

Is there a space for a mid size luxury Sport Sedan ? That is a question Bumper2Bumpertv ponders when it looks at the latest version of the Lexus ES350.

The Toyota Corolla, updated and still relevant.

Most car companies are still not producing the same models today as they did in the 1960's. But Toyota remains a traditionalist with the Corolla. Bumper2Bumpertv has a look at the latest model.

Legacy from Subaru lives up to its name.

It can claim the distinction of being one of the first All Wheel Drive platforms that was extremely reliable. Bumper2Bumpertv has a look at the Subaru Legacy which has stepped up its game.

Genesis G80, a first look.

The Genesis division of Hyundai is now a stand alone brand playing in the luxury segment, Bumper2Bumpertv has a look at one of its first offerings strong and weak points.

2017 Ford Fusion Energi, technology with a price.

The 2017 Ford Fusion Energi offers unique drive train technology in a mid size sedan. But Bumper2Bumpertv also finds the upgrades come with a price.

2017 Nissan Rogue first look

In the small and midsize crossover segment the Nissan Rogue is trying to span the gap between entry level and near luxury in one vehicle. Bumper2Bumpertv has a look at the latest version which is both people and pet friendly

The Passat may be passe'

THE AUTO PAGE

By John Heilig

• MODEL: 2016 Volkswagen Passat SEL
• ENGINE: 1.8-liter turbocharged I-4 
• HORSEPOWER/TORQUE: 170 hp @ 6,200 rpm/184 lb.-ft. @ 1,500 rpm  
• WHEELBASE: 110.4 in.  
• LENGTH X WIDTH X HEIGHT: 191.9 x 72.2 x 58.5 in. 
• TIRES: P235/45R18 
• CARGO: 15.9 cu. ft. 
• ECONOMY: 25 mpg city/38 mpg highway/23.8 mpg test 
• FUEL TANK: 18.5 gal. 
• CURB WEIGHT: 3,263 lbs. 
• COMPETITIVE CLASS: Chevrolet Malibu, Toyota Camry, Ford Fusion 
• STICKER: $35,090 (includes $820 delivery) 
• BOTTOM LINE: The Volkswagen Passat is a very nice mid-size sedan with few outstanding features, and at a premium price. 

            I found it hard to be enthusiastic about the Volkswagen Passat. It has all the attributes of a nice mid-size sedan. It is quiet at speed, except for some tire noise on concrete and worse road surfaces. It has good power from its 1.8-liter turbocharged four, although the engine is buzzy on acceleration. Handling is very good thanks to a front suspension that features damper struts with robust lower control arms, coil springs and an anti-roll bar; and a four-link independent rear suspension with telescopic shocks and an anti-roll bar. And it has a comfortable ride.

            I think it’s the styling that doesn’t turn me on. While it has a new front and rear design with a four-bar chrome grille, I still think it’s bland. There are no exciting lines. In a sense it reminds me of my ’01 Buick. It does the job well, but look at it took long and you might fall asleep. There is a horizontal character line that extends from the head- to tail lamp, but there is no panache.

            Front seats are very comfortable with good side support for the back and lower back. The support isn’t enough for racing, but it’s fine for spirited driving. 

            Rear seats, while nominally for three, really hold two passengers, albeit with very good legroom. The outboard seats are similar to the fronts with good side support and are heated. There’s also good rear seat visibility with wide windows in the doors. In addition, the rear seats have their own HVAC controls and a USB outlet. The pull-down armrest has a pair of cup holders and a small console.

            The driver sits behind a flat-bottomed steering wheel with all the controls. The Passat is equipped with a push button start and stop. The exterior mirrors fold in when the doors are locked. 

            There’s a clear instrument panel with a tachometer, information panel, and a speedometer. The infotainment screen is clear, and the navigation system is easy to program after a short learning curve. The audio system has the standard assortment of choices. We chose SXM and iPod.

            Interior storage consists of a nice fold-out cubby by the driver’s left knee with change slots; a cubby at the base of the center stack with outlets for 12-volt, USB and AUX; two cup holders and a small cubby to the rear of them. There’s a deep center console/arm rest with another 12-volt outlet. In addition, there is room for water bottles in all four doors. Four assist handles aid in entry and egress.

            As a mid-size, you need a good trunk, and the Passat doesn’t disappoint with 15.9 useful cubic feet. The rear seat backs also fold to increase trunk capacity,, with the releases in the trunk.

            With the rear seats folded, it is possible to fit a small- to medium-sized dog crate for animal transportation. Our tester had leather seating surfaces which would be fairly easy to clean in the event of accidents. There are also carpeted floor mats. 

            While our Passat had no options, it still came with a healthy $35,090 sticker price, which to me was exorbitant, maybe $7,000 over a reasonable price for the car. 

           

(c) 2016 The Auto Page Syndicate

Lexus GS200t-- a sedan with fire in the belly.

Match a turbocharged four cylinder engine with a rear wheel drive sport sedan and top it off with some luxury touches. Bumper2Bumpertv tried out the results in the Lexus GS200t.

Ford Fusion, keeping up or catching up ?

Will a domestic nameplate ever get the respect it's international competitors enjoy in the midsize segment? Bumper2Bumpertv thinks the Dearborn brand has a good platform to grow from for that task.

2015 Toyota Corolla

Like the company itself the Toyota Corolla has grown considerably over the years. Bumper2Bumpertv got a chance to do a deep dive into the 11th generation of the nameplate and check out the upgrades and what may be needed next.