Season 18 of Top Gear has just started.
You're welcome.
....What? No I'm not going to give you a blasted link, go find one yourself! It's probably on Youtube or something by now, it shouldn't be that hard. It's only the most popular motoring program in the WORLD...
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Pet Peeve #742: Rolling Garbage Cans
Everyone knows someone like this. Everyone's seen a car like this. You look in the window, and you can't find the seats. Or the carpet. The car has been turned into a mobile trash bin. Burger wrappers, empty cigarette packs, empty cans, dead hookers and other detritus fills the cabin to the point you wonder how the owner manages to drive that thing around safely.
I consider my interior dirty when there's a stray drink straw wrapper in the cup holder. I don't understand how anyone can let a car go like that and just fill it with trash. Take my friend for example. He drives a 1993 Subaru (which already has one foot in the grave). Not only does he do the bare minimum to keep the car roadworthy, but the car is ALWAYS filled with trash. He never cleans it. He never washes it. And because he's a 2 pack a day chain smoker, the car reeks of stale tobacco constantly.
I had another friend with an old Sunbird whose car was so full of trash, the only usable seat was the driver's seat. The rest were filled with garbage. Yes, even the trunk was stuffed with crap.
I don't know how anyone can mistreat a car like that. And not only is this filthy, it's a safety hazard. In an accident those bottles and cans floating around the backseat will turn into projectiles, and that won't be fun for anybody.
People, please keep your cars clean. Or at least keep your junk in the trunk.
I consider my interior dirty when there's a stray drink straw wrapper in the cup holder. I don't understand how anyone can let a car go like that and just fill it with trash. Take my friend for example. He drives a 1993 Subaru (which already has one foot in the grave). Not only does he do the bare minimum to keep the car roadworthy, but the car is ALWAYS filled with trash. He never cleans it. He never washes it. And because he's a 2 pack a day chain smoker, the car reeks of stale tobacco constantly.
I had another friend with an old Sunbird whose car was so full of trash, the only usable seat was the driver's seat. The rest were filled with garbage. Yes, even the trunk was stuffed with crap.
I don't know how anyone can mistreat a car like that. And not only is this filthy, it's a safety hazard. In an accident those bottles and cans floating around the backseat will turn into projectiles, and that won't be fun for anybody.
People, please keep your cars clean. Or at least keep your junk in the trunk.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Welterweights: Honorable Mentions
I figured that there should be some wrap up for the c-segment, and I wanted to offer my take on some of the other competition out there.
2012 Honda Civic
Seen here in the Si Guise, the Civic has always been a solid performer in the C-segment. The current styling is more evolutionary than revolutionary. I've only driven the previous generation, but according to more folks, the car is much the same as the previous generation, though the Si is less rev-happy in the interest of being more fuel efficient. I did get a chance to sit in one at the recent Silicon Valley Auto Show, and I found the interior to be very contemporary, almost futuristic. In short: worth your time, but there may be better options out there.
2012 Hyundai Elantra
I haven't driven one, but it's a very handsome car, and for the money, you can get a lot of value for your money. The high end runs about $20k, but with that, you get satellite radio, heated front AND rear leather seats, and a list of options as long as your arm. Bottom Line: If passenger comfort is your goal, this is probably your best bet.
2012 Volkswagen Jetta
Seen here in the GLI trim, the new Jetta is another solid, if large, performer in the c-segment. Sporting German heritage and styling, this is a solid performer. Some problems: in the base segments, the rear suspension is torsion beam rather than multi-link as in previous Jettas (though the multi-link is standard in the GLI). This gives the car a slightly less perky demeanor than in previous generations. Bottom Line: Go for the TDI or the GLI. Don't bother with the baseline.
2012 Ford Focus
Think of this as the American 2nd cousin to the Mazda3 (or vice versa), the new Focus is a great thing for the American market. Available in 4 door sedan or 5 door hatch, new styling, and a great driving dynamic, the new Focus is a little softer than its distant Mazda relation, but may be a better balance for comfort.
Bottom Line: If the general Focii are too tame for you, wait for the upcoming Focus ST. The hairy chested version of the Focus should be good for 250+ horsepower.
All in all, there are plenty of great options out there in the C-Segment. The Trick is finding one right for you.
2012 Honda Civic
Seen here in the Si Guise, the Civic has always been a solid performer in the C-segment. The current styling is more evolutionary than revolutionary. I've only driven the previous generation, but according to more folks, the car is much the same as the previous generation, though the Si is less rev-happy in the interest of being more fuel efficient. I did get a chance to sit in one at the recent Silicon Valley Auto Show, and I found the interior to be very contemporary, almost futuristic. In short: worth your time, but there may be better options out there.
2012 Hyundai Elantra
I haven't driven one, but it's a very handsome car, and for the money, you can get a lot of value for your money. The high end runs about $20k, but with that, you get satellite radio, heated front AND rear leather seats, and a list of options as long as your arm. Bottom Line: If passenger comfort is your goal, this is probably your best bet.
2012 Volkswagen Jetta
Seen here in the GLI trim, the new Jetta is another solid, if large, performer in the c-segment. Sporting German heritage and styling, this is a solid performer. Some problems: in the base segments, the rear suspension is torsion beam rather than multi-link as in previous Jettas (though the multi-link is standard in the GLI). This gives the car a slightly less perky demeanor than in previous generations. Bottom Line: Go for the TDI or the GLI. Don't bother with the baseline.
2012 Ford Focus
Think of this as the American 2nd cousin to the Mazda3 (or vice versa), the new Focus is a great thing for the American market. Available in 4 door sedan or 5 door hatch, new styling, and a great driving dynamic, the new Focus is a little softer than its distant Mazda relation, but may be a better balance for comfort.
Bottom Line: If the general Focii are too tame for you, wait for the upcoming Focus ST. The hairy chested version of the Focus should be good for 250+ horsepower.
All in all, there are plenty of great options out there in the C-Segment. The Trick is finding one right for you.
Saturday, January 21, 2012
This is why you don't steal someone's parking space.
Taken, I'm guessing, in China somewhere (based on the language).
You know, after seeing this it no longer surprises me how they get all that food into those tiny little containers.
Youtube
You know, after seeing this it no longer surprises me how they get all that food into those tiny little containers.
Youtube
Saturday, January 14, 2012
A Brief Thought on Winter
You know, the winter weather season is a good time to save money on gas. At least it is for me.
Why? Well it does get rather cold up here, and we get our fair share of snow. On the one hand you'd think we'd waste gas warming up cars so they thaw out, but in reality I burn a lot less fuel during the winter than the summer. This is mostly due to driving less often in the first place.
Now keep in mind I was raised in this kind of weather. Driving in the snow doesn't really bother me. The problem comes when I have to clean off the car. Simply put I'm just too damn lazy to clear off the car and go for a random drive. Until I suddenly have to. Then I spend half an hour cleaning off 5 days worth of snow and ice...
Why? Well it does get rather cold up here, and we get our fair share of snow. On the one hand you'd think we'd waste gas warming up cars so they thaw out, but in reality I burn a lot less fuel during the winter than the summer. This is mostly due to driving less often in the first place.
Now keep in mind I was raised in this kind of weather. Driving in the snow doesn't really bother me. The problem comes when I have to clean off the car. Simply put I'm just too damn lazy to clear off the car and go for a random drive. Until I suddenly have to. Then I spend half an hour cleaning off 5 days worth of snow and ice...
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Welterweights, Pt 6
Well, here we are. 1st place. I'll bet you're dying to know what it is.
1st Place: Mazda3
I know what you're thinking. "WHY SO SERIOUS?" Joker grin aside, this little car has enough going for it to put a grin on your face.
For starters, let's talk about this car's pedigree. Mazda is one of the few car companies out there that makes its mission to have every car it makes be fun to drive. Not just the sport models. Every.
Car.
This is where their "Zoom Zoom" philosophy comes from, and if you make that big of a claim, you better be able to back it up. And this little car is key to doing that.
First, let's talk engines: buyers have a choice of a 2.0 I4 with 148 horsepower, their new 2.0 liter Skyactiv system (more on that later) with 155 horsepower, a 2.5Liter I4 at 164 horsepower, and for the crazies, you have the Mazdaspeed3,with a turbocharged 2.3 liter I4 good for a whopping 263 horsepower. Transmissions are also varied, with five speed autos and manuals for the regular 2.0 liter and 2.5, while the Skyactiv engines and the supercharged 2.3 come with a six speeds.
In all versions, the suspension is firm without being harsh, and cornering offers very little body roll. At all speeds the car feels planted, with no dead spot on steering. Turn in can be aggressive for those not used to it, but that's good for a pocket sized driver's car.
Pricing is right on the money too. You can have one for as little as $15,200, which is spartan, but comes with plenty of spunk. At the high end, you'll run about $25,000, and there you have the choice of either the high end trim (Grand Touring) or you can get yourself a Mazdaspeed3. Both levels are nicely appointed.
You can have the car as either a sedan or a hatchback (though the Mazdaspeed3 is hatchback only). It should be noted that the hatchback starts off at about $19k, although at that level the base engine is the Skyactiv or the 2.5 liter. Plus it has more starting features, such as Bluetooth.
By now, you're probably wondering what this Skyactiv stuff is all about.
Essentially, it's Mazda's new approach to having not only fuel efficient cars, but fun ones as well. The 2012 Mazda3 is the first of Mazda's cars to implement these initiatives in a mid cycle refresh. (The first full Skyactiv Mazda is their brand new CX-5, which you can see photos of in my earlier post at the Silicon Valley Auto Show). What does this mean for the Mazda3?
40 mpg, ladies and gentlemen. Now you can have your cake and eat it too.
The weak points? Well, the interior is plastic-y, and while the steering wheel buttons are easy to get to, they are a little small. At some of the lower trims, the materials feel a little cheap. Plus, the rear passenger leg-room isn't much unless you're a kid.
And a lot of you are probably still staring in disbelief at that goofy grin on the front.
But when you're talking about entertainment value for your money, and having a car that will last you a long while, look no further.
Driver's Pick: Any of them, really, but if you can, shell out the extra cash for one of the Skyactiv engines.
1st Place: Mazda3
I know what you're thinking. "WHY SO SERIOUS?" Joker grin aside, this little car has enough going for it to put a grin on your face.
For starters, let's talk about this car's pedigree. Mazda is one of the few car companies out there that makes its mission to have every car it makes be fun to drive. Not just the sport models. Every.
Car.
This is where their "Zoom Zoom" philosophy comes from, and if you make that big of a claim, you better be able to back it up. And this little car is key to doing that.
First, let's talk engines: buyers have a choice of a 2.0 I4 with 148 horsepower, their new 2.0 liter Skyactiv system (more on that later) with 155 horsepower, a 2.5Liter I4 at 164 horsepower, and for the crazies, you have the Mazdaspeed3,with a turbocharged 2.3 liter I4 good for a whopping 263 horsepower. Transmissions are also varied, with five speed autos and manuals for the regular 2.0 liter and 2.5, while the Skyactiv engines and the supercharged 2.3 come with a six speeds.
In all versions, the suspension is firm without being harsh, and cornering offers very little body roll. At all speeds the car feels planted, with no dead spot on steering. Turn in can be aggressive for those not used to it, but that's good for a pocket sized driver's car.
Pricing is right on the money too. You can have one for as little as $15,200, which is spartan, but comes with plenty of spunk. At the high end, you'll run about $25,000, and there you have the choice of either the high end trim (Grand Touring) or you can get yourself a Mazdaspeed3. Both levels are nicely appointed.
You can have the car as either a sedan or a hatchback (though the Mazdaspeed3 is hatchback only). It should be noted that the hatchback starts off at about $19k, although at that level the base engine is the Skyactiv or the 2.5 liter. Plus it has more starting features, such as Bluetooth.
By now, you're probably wondering what this Skyactiv stuff is all about.
Essentially, it's Mazda's new approach to having not only fuel efficient cars, but fun ones as well. The 2012 Mazda3 is the first of Mazda's cars to implement these initiatives in a mid cycle refresh. (The first full Skyactiv Mazda is their brand new CX-5, which you can see photos of in my earlier post at the Silicon Valley Auto Show). What does this mean for the Mazda3?
40 mpg, ladies and gentlemen. Now you can have your cake and eat it too.
The weak points? Well, the interior is plastic-y, and while the steering wheel buttons are easy to get to, they are a little small. At some of the lower trims, the materials feel a little cheap. Plus, the rear passenger leg-room isn't much unless you're a kid.
And a lot of you are probably still staring in disbelief at that goofy grin on the front.
But when you're talking about entertainment value for your money, and having a car that will last you a long while, look no further.
Driver's Pick: Any of them, really, but if you can, shell out the extra cash for one of the Skyactiv engines.
Monday, January 9, 2012
This is the Chevy Code 130R Concept
You saw it here first! ...unless you went to one of the other auto blog sites before you came here.
Chevy kept a tight lid on this little bugger. Nobody knew what it was or what it looked like until today. So here's the details. Chevy polled a bunch of 20-somethings all over the country and asked them what they wanted in a car. This is what they asked for. It's a compact, rear wheel drive coupe with a 150HP 1.4L turbo four and manual transmission. It'll also have GM's eAssist system for marginally better fuel economy as well. Pricing? GM estimates they could sell it for the low to mid $20,000s, if they decide to build it. Frankly I'd like to see a few more ponies out of this if they do. If it's got around 200HP, it'd be a solid competitor to the Scion FR-S/Subaru BRZ. Otherwise? I'm afraid it's just not quick enough for that kind of money.
So GM..are you listening? BUILD IT. We've told you we want it so build it. And ditch the name. Call it a Nova.
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