2016 Lexus RX 450H

Overview

The all-new 2016 Lexus RX 450h has been totally redesigned and is highlighted with a very unique exterior design. The RX new design is a departure from its old sheet metal and looks like a large version of the NX. 

Safety Features

Safety Features

Driving Impression

Power is adequate for the RX 450h and better than its predecessor. This hybrid is very comfortable and extremely quiet. The RX 450h F Sport steering is responsive especially when switched into one of two Sport modes The F Sport’s adaptive suspension makes the handling more controlled when driving any road condition.

Under the Hood

A 3.5-liter V6 engine and a pair of front-mounted electric motor/generators power every 2016 Lexus RX 450h. AWD models have an additional motor for the rear wheels. (Note that there is no mechanical connection between front and rear wheels in the all-wheel-drive RX.) Total system output is 308 hp and 247 pound-feet of torque.

EPA-estimated fuel economy (30/28) with all-wheel drive.

Engine & Performance

Inside

Interior Design and Special Features

The 2016 Lexus RX 450h has lower seating position and an easy to see and use dashboard makes this vehicle more carlike than its predecessors. With this in mind you still get an elevated view that helps make this a stellar vehicle.

There’s plenty of headroom in the cabin and the sliding and reclining backseat is wide and comfortable. The front seats are supportive and hold you in place when making sharp turns.

Cargo capacity with the 40/20/40-split rear seatback doesn’t quite fold flat.

But capacity is 18 cubic feet behind the second row and 55.9 cubic feet with the seats folded.

Below is a complete list of feature, that were on my test drive:

Outside

The new 2016 RX has a dramatic spindle grille in the front that is highlighted with the “triple-L” headlamps, LED fog lamps, and LED daytime running lamps. The RX has a floating roof that tapers near the back with flared rear fenders The RX is definitely a head-turner that has all the design elements of the NX

Summary

The RX450H is definitely worth a trip to your local Lexus dealer for a test drive if you are in the market for a luxury mid-size Hybrid CUV.

Specifications

Exterior Measurements

Interior Measurements

2016 Lexus IS200T

Overview

Highlighting the 2016 Lexus IS 200t is a potent turbo 4-cylinder and a 8-speed transmission.

Safety Features

Safety Features

Driving Impression

The IS200T steering and handling are superlative, which gives this vehicle the composure of a sports car. My test drive had the F Sport’s stiffened suspension and was complimented by 18-inch wheels. The IS has adaptive dampers which highlight this vehicles list of performance amenities.

Fuel economy is EPA-rated at 22-mpg city/33 highway/26 combined.

Under the Hood

The 2.0 4 cylinder 241 hp is mated to an 8-speed automatic, which makes this vehicle a strong performer in its class

• Engine & Performance

Inside

The 2016 Lexus IS200T interior is one of the best in its class using high-quality materials and workmanship.
The Toyota Entune system is easy to use and one of the many features the car has to make the driving experience a pleasure. The seats are very comfortable front and back.

Below is a list of all the features found on my test drive.

Features

Interior Features

Front Seats

Outside

The IS 200t has an aggressive design highlighted with the Lexus spindle grill. The design blends angles from the side going into the rear light cluster.

Summary

If you are in the market for a luxury sedan with a performance look and feel then go to your local Lexus dealer for a test drive today.

Specifications

Exterior Measurements

Interior Measurements

2016 Mazda CX-3 Grand Touring AWD 

Overview

The exciting all-new 2016 Mazda CX-3.is here and this sub-compact crossover is a real head-turner. The CX-3 is maneuverable like a car and has all the features of a crossover. Mazda has created one of the nicest vehicles in this new class. 

Safety Features

Safety Features

The 2016 Mazda CX-3 handling is exemplary with its responsive and precise steering. The 146-hp engine has acceptable- acceleration mated to its six-speed automatic transmission.

The CX-3’s Grand Touring ride is exceptional with its low-profile 18-inch tires.

Under the Hood

The 2016 Mazda CX-3 comes with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 146 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque.

Fuel economy is good 29 mpg combined (27 city/32 highway) with standard all-wheel drive on my test drive Grand Touring test drive

. Engine & Performance

Inside

The interior of the 2016 CX-3’s cabin uses high-quality materials and has a very unique dashboard. The Grand Touring’s large central tachometer has a integrated digital speedometer and is easy to read. There is a heads-up display to show you how fast you are going.

The front seats are comfortable and are very supportive. The rear seats can 2 adults, but adding the third passenger would be a stretch.

Cargo capacity is 12.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 44.5 cubes with the rear seatbacks folded down.

Front Seats

The CX-3 has highly sculpted fenders and doors that convey movement. The front styling has the DNA of Mazda and the CX-5. Highlighting the rear end of the CX-3 is the dual exhaust.

Summary

If you are in the market for a compact CUV loaded with amenities then go down to your local Mazda dealer for a test drive today.

Specifications

• Exterior Measurements

• Interior Measurements

2016 Lexus RX 350AWD F Sport

Overview

The all new 2016 Lexus RX 350 is highlighted with an exaggerated signature spindle grille. The all-new RX also has all new extensive sheet metal that has creases and sharp lines similar to the NX styling. This midsize crossover has an exciting design for the rebirth of this model.

Safety Features

Safety Features

Driving Impression

Power is impressive in the RX 350 and the steering is extremely responsive. The RX 350 Sport suspension is dynamic and the ride is very comfortable.

The RX 350 F Sport steering can be switched to two Sport modes. The F Sport’ also has adaptive suspension. The RX’s body is more controlled when driving over bumps, yet the ride remains extremely comfortable.

Under the Hood

A 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 295 hp and 267 pound-feet of torque powers the 2016 Lexus RX 350. The motor is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission that comes standard on the Sport and has AWD.

EPA- 19-city/26 highway, and an average 22mpg 

• Engine & Performance

Inside

The seating in the 2016 Lexus RX 350 Sport is exceptionally comfortable with its heated and cooled seats. The interior design is exceptional with the use of quality materials.

There’s plenty of headroom in the cabin and the sliding and reclining backseat is very comfortable. There is plenty of legroom for tall passengers in the back seat.

Cargo capacity is 18.4 cubic feet behind the second row and 56.3 cubic feet with the seats folded.

Below is a complete list of feature, that were on my test drive:

Front Seats

* Feature available with a subscription to enform

Outside

The new 2016 RX has a dramatic spindle grille in the front that is highlighted with the “triple-L” headlamps, LED fog lamps, and LED daytime running lamps. The Rx has a floating roof that tapers near the back with flared rear fenders The RX is definitely a head-turner that has all the design elements of the NX

Summary

The RX is definitely worth a trip to your local Lexus dealer for a test drive if you are in the market for a luxury mid-size CUV.

Specifications

Exterior Measurements

Interior Measurements

2016 Toyota Corolla S Premium

Overview

The 2016 Corolla gets an updated Entune audio systems and my test drive was the S Special Edition model, which has a number of minor cosmetic upgrades.

Safety Features

Safety Features

Driving Impression

The 2016 Toyota Corolla 1.8-liter engine is more than adequate for normal city and highway driving. The steering was very responsive and the handling was engaging for a sedan its size. Acceleration was adequate and the CVT transmission made driving this sedan a pleasure.

The Corolla S is simply a car that’s all about comfort, that is highlighted with an exceptionally quiet ride.

Under the Hood

The 2016 Toyota Corolla is powered by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine, which produces 132 horsepower and 128 pound-feet of torque.

• Engine & Performance

Inside 

Interior Design and Special Features

The 2016 Corolla S cabin is stylish with a unique dashboard, sport steering wheel and a unique shifter surround. The audio has knobs for volume and tuning and a 6.1-inch touchscreen. My S had the Entune App Suite, which integrates smartphone-connected services from Bing, Facebook, Yelp and Pandora.

The Corolla’s seats are very comfortable and supportive and hold you in place when making turns. The Corolla has more rear legroom than most small sedans have. The wide trunk has 13 cubic feet and facilitates loading and unloading.

Features

Interior Features

Front Seats

 Outside
The 2016 Corolla S sedan’s styling has folded edges, big wheels and tires. The car looks good in my test drive color of Classic Silver Metallic.

Summary

If you are in the market for a sedan that is moderately prices then go down to your local Toyota dealer for a test drive today.

Specifications

Exterior Measurements

Interior Measurements

2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata Club

Overview

The exciting all new Mazda MX-5 Miata has recreated itself for 2016 . The MX-5 design says it all -ZOOM, ZOOM.

Safety Features

Safety Features

Driving Impression

Driving the 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata’s on the road is an exhilarating and exciting experience. The Miata’s has superb visibility and the suspension and the handling are exceptional. The Miata is a Sports Car with a capital S C and it engages the driver and makes you feel like you want to go ZOOM, ZOOM. The 2.0-liter four-cylinder has ample power to let you have great acceleration. Just put the top down and enjoy the true roadster experience.

Under the Hood

A 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 155 hp and 148 pound-feet of torque powers the 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata. My test drive came equipped with a six-speed manual transmission.

The 2016 MX-5 Miata Club with the manual transmission can do zero to 60 mph in 6.3 seconds.

Fuel economy was 30 mpg (27 city/34 highway), which is not bad for this roadster.

Engine & Performance

Inside

The interior of the 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata’s interior definitely say sports car with its seating and gage layout. The Miata has very limited head- and legroom. The seats are very comfortable and hold you in place when making hard turns. The use of upgraded materials through out the cabin is prevalent.

The MX-5’s controls are strategically placed and are easy to use. USB connectivity and Bluetooth) now come standard along with a host of modern conveniences listed below.

The manual convertible top is exceptionally easy to use and the trunk has minimal storage with 4.6 cubic feet.

Interior Features

Front Seats

Outside

The exterior of the Miata says it all ZOOM, ZOOM with its new updated modern design. The exterior says excitement is ready for the taking.

Summary

Go to your local Mazda dealer for a test drive of the MX-5 today for your ZOOM, ZOOM experience.

Specifications

Exterior Measurements

2016 Kia Optima SX Turbo

Overview

The new 2016 Kia Optima has again raised the bar as did it predecessors with a fresh new model.

Safety Features

Safety Features

Driving Impression 

The turbocharged 2.0-liter engine is a powerful yet fuel efficient drive train, which is mated to a six-speed transmission. The Optima is exciting to drive at any cruising speed.

The steering can be set to several modes and I found the sport mode to be very responsive especially when making hard turns.

The ride was excellent and I hardly felt any road imperfections when driving in the city or on the road.

Under the Hood 

The turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine t produces 245 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque and is capable of zero to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds. Fuel economy was decent at 33mpg (28 city/39 highway)

• Engine & Performance

Inside

The interior of the 2016 Kia Optima is spacious and luxurious for the model year. The layout is very functional and accessible. The front seats are exceptionally comfortable and are very supportive.

The rear-seat has excellent head, leg and shoulder room for passengers of any size. The panoramic sunroof lets you view the surroundings from either the front or rear seats.

Below is a list of all the features that were on my test drive.

Outside

The 2016 Optima’s exterior is

slightly longer, wider and taller than the car it replaces, Styling for the Optima is still a head-turner, but you will notice only subtle differences from the 2015 model.

Summary

If you are in the market for a moderately priced sedan then go to your local Kia dealer for a test drive today.

Specifications

Exterior Measurements

Interior Measurements