By Don Hammonds
More’s the better for automakers when it comes to deciding whether to introduce their brand to a new market niche.
It seems these days whenever one brand goes after a new set of buyers, here come all the others to hopefully get their share of the market pie, too.
So it is that Kia.
Better known as a maker of dependable, economical, sporty, good looking compacts and one stunning family car, the Optima, it was only a matter of time …
THE AUTO PAGE
By John Heilig
Model: 2015 Jaguar F-Type Convertible S
Engine: 5.0-liter supercharged V8
Horsepower/Torque: 495 hp @ 6,500 rpm/ 460 lb.-ft. @ 2,500-5,000 rpm
Transmission: 8-speed automatic with paddle shifters
Wheelbase: 103.2 in.
Length x Width x Height: 176.0 x 75.7 x 51.5 in.
Tires: P255/35R20 (F)/P295/30R20 (R)
Cargo: 7.0 cu. ft.
Economy: 16 mpg city/23 mpg highway/21.7 mpg test
Fuel capacity: 19.0 gal
Curb Weight: 3,671 lbs.
Sticker: $96,313 ($925 delivery, $3,388 options)
The Bottom Line: There’s no question that the Jaguar F-Type Convertible is impressive, in looks, in its …
By John Heilig
Model: 2015 Dodge Challenger
Engine: 3.6-liter DOHC V6
Horsepower/Torque: 305 hp @ 6,350 rpm/268 lb.-ft. @ 4,800 rpm
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Wheelbase: 116.2 in.
Length x Width x Height: 197.9 x 75.1 x 57.5 in.
Tires: P245/45R20
Cargo: 16.2 cu. ft.
Economy: 19 mpg city/30 mpg highway/25.1 mpg test
Fuel capacity: 18.5 gal.
Curb Weight: 3,834 lbs.
Sticker: $33,975 (includes $995 destination, $2,985 options)
The Bottom Line: The Dodge Challenger looks like a performance car, drives like a performance car and has all the goods and bads of a performance …
By Don Hammonds
The more often you get behind the wheel of a certain car, it begins to explain its own story.
What I mean by that is that products that are at the head of the pack are usually popular for good reason–and that’s the story of the latest generation Ford Fusion in a nutshell.
It has everything you want–and more. And if this car doesn’t personify the future of the family car, I don’t know what make does so.
It’s so far …
By Don Hammonds
Toyota’s venerable RAV4 isn’t so venerable any more–because it’s been heavily transformed.
It’s got snappy new looks to entice buyers who may mistakenly think they will find the same model in Toyota showrooms that they’ve seen before. It’s somewhat roomier than previous models. And the interior materials and presentation have been stepped up considerably.
Power comes from a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 176 horsepower and 172 pound-feet of torque. You will find that the six-speed automatic transmission is standard, and you …
