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.
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2011 Honda CR-Z Hybrid Review
MPG-o-Matic 2011 Honda CR-Z Hybrid Review Summary: Though purists may be hard-pressed to call it a true sports car, the two-seat Honda CR-Z is the sportiest hybrid to hit the road in 2011. With a heritage that includes the Honda CR-X Si pocket rocket and ground-breaking Insight hybrid, the CR-Z has a twisty path to follow. While it’s not as fast as the CR-X Si nor as remarkably fuel-efficient as the original Insight, the CR-Z hybrid is an entertaining ride when equipped with the six-speed manual transmission. If you like to run through the gears and must have a hybrid, the CR-Z is the only game in town.
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 Ford Fiesta Review – Part 2: PowerShift Dual-Clutch Automatic
The 2011 Ford Fiesta breaks new ground on a number of levels, with the optional PowerShift dual-clutch six-speed automatic transmission being the perfect case-in-point.
It’s not often that we get to test a vehicle with both manual and automatic transmissions comprehensively. We had that opportunity with the 2011 Fiesta, spending a week with a manual (back in early autumn) and an automatic (just recently).
The Fiesta’s PowerShift transmission isn’t just the only six-speed automatic in its class. It’s also the only dual-clutch design. While the Honda Fit is equipped with a five-speed automatic transmission, the Toyota Yaris, Nissan Versa, Chevy Aveo and Hyundai Accent are fitted with four-speed automatics.
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.