MPG-o-Matic 2011 Lincoln MKT EcoBoost Review Summary:
The 2011 Lincoln MKT EcoBoost takes the big American luxury car to a new level. Although it lags behind the European turbo-diesels when it comes to fuel economy, the twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 engine provides a remarkable rush of power and a glimpse of what’s to come. It’s time to bid adieu to the V8-powered luxury barge. The MKT EcoBoost is nothing less than an executive jet on wheels, with a luxurious ride for six or seven.
crossover
2011 Kia Sportage Review
MPG-o-Matic 2011 Kia Sportage EX AWD Review Summary: The aggressively-styled 2011 Kia Sportage stakes out a bold space in the highly competitive five-seat crossover market. Sharing its platform with the Hyundai Tuscon, the Sportage plays the design card, and trumps the competition with features for the dollar. This one is stuffed with all the goodies, in a quest to one-up the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4.
2011 Volkswagen Touareg Hybrid: First Drive
Toyota Motor Sales better get in the game. Quick.
Yet another manufacturer has launched yet another hybrid that is infinitely better than anything the previous hybrid king has put out in recent years.
Exit Lexus RX 450h. Enter the 2011 Volkswagen Touareg Hybrid.
As far as first drives go, I didn’t have nearly enough drive time in this all-new SUV. Only about 30 minutes behind the wheel and another 30 minutes as a passenger.
Surely not enough time to get a realistic gauge of fuel economy over a period of time. My partner and I averaged just more than 20 mpg in combined driving, which is just under the VW estimated ratings of 21 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway. (At the time of publication, the EPA had not yet completed their official fuel economy values.)
2011 Nissan Juke: First Drive
CHICAGO—When you come across a vehicle like the all-new 2011 Nissan Juke, it doesn’t quite fit in a particular segmented slot.
It’s too small to be a crossover. Too big to be a sports car. Too quirky to be called sedan. It has 5 doors, but I wouldn’t call it a hatchback. It’s utilitarian but not large enough to be an SUV. The number of doors negates coupe status, and while it’s inexpensive, I wouldn’t call it entry-level.
2010 Nissan Rogue Review
MPG-o-Matic 2010 Nissan Rogue Review Summary: The 2010 Nissan Rogue S Krom plays in a hotly contested field, as it scores big points for style and handling among the compact crossover competition. Slotted between the luxurious Murano and the raucous Juke, the Rogue leans toward the sporty side with a distinctive design.