The 2012 Jeep Wrangler has more power for 2012

The vehicle that I tested retails for $31,910 plus freight, fees and taxes. It featured U-Connect bluetooth, sirius satellite, alloy wheels, and convertible soft top.

The Jeep Wrangler has long been known as the vehicle of choice for serious off-roaders everywhere. That is why a Jeep Wrangler was named "4x4 of the Decade" by Four Wheeler Magazine and "best new car for off-roaders" in 2010 by Cars.com. After my test drive of the new 2012 Jeep Wrangler unlimited Sport today I think it is a vehicle of serious consequence for highway and city drivers as well.

In 2011 Chrysler unleashed its V6 Pentastar engine as an option in many of its Dodge and Chrysler vehicles. It entered the Jeep line-up in 2011 as the V6 alternative to the V8 Hemi in the Grand Cherokee. To the surprise of many this vehicle delivered horsepower like a V8 and fuel economy like a 4 cylinder. In 2012 Jeep has put this successful power plant in its Wranglers, replacing the 3.8 L V6 that replaced the old inline 6 in 2007. Many Jeep aficionados have long-awaited the arrival of the new 2012 with its Pentastar engine and its 285 hp replacing the 202 hp 3.8L. In addition, the new motor is paired with a 5 speed automatic transmission which delivers smoother performance and better fuel economy.

On a warm September morning I finally got the opportunity to drive the new 2012 Wrangler Sport Unlimited and see for myself how it compared to previous models. If you haven't driven a Jeep lately, the first thing you will note is the reduction of noise, vibration and improved handling (NVH). This initiative made leaps and bounds for the 2011 model and continues in 2012. You will also notice the improvement in pick-up as you merge into traffic. At 202 HP the 2011 had no problem with speed. At 285HP the 2012 not only has speed but the smooth pick-up to get you there. From a dead stop the new 5 speed automatic gears up smoothly to cruising speed with no lag, no excess vibration or hesitation. In no time I was up to speed only to find myself quickly stuck in traffic. Large slow moving trucks followed construction equipment and everywhere mid day traffic filled in the road to create congestion--not an ideal condition for a test drive but a reality in modern city driving. Although you may buy yourself a Jeep Wrangler with visions of off roading and rough country trails, the truth is that the majority of miles are put on most Wranglers in situations much like I was experiencing today--city driving.

In an effort to escape gridlock I turned off the busy route and headed down side streets through an industrial area just to keep moving the Wrangler forward. The roads were rough and barricaded with recent resurfacing patches which meant sharp turns weaving around traffic and barricades. The Wranglers tight turning radius and responsive handling made this the ideal vehicle for scooting through road work during construction season. And if you live in a northern city like Winnipeg, there are only two seasons, winter and construction.

I also reset the fuel economy indicator prior to leaving the main road during this portion of the test drive. I was pleasantly surprised to see the fuel economy hovering around 11L/100km. Environment Canada rates this vehicle at 13.2L/100km city and 10.0 highway. This is an improvement from last years rating of 14.5 city and 10.0 highway. The difference in city driving can be attributed to the new powerful Pentastar engine matched with the new 5 speed automatic. My city mileage didn't spike until I left the industrial area and reentered traffic, and with it the burst of acceleration to get up to 80 kph as quick as possible. Overall this vehicle averaged about 15L/100km for my little test drive.

The particular vehicle that I drove had a soft top--a great feature regardless of where you live. If you live in a northern city you want to take advantage of as much summer as possible and there is no better way to do that than with the top down, or as in this case with the sunrider top open. With a release of two clips on the front, the top flips back and is strapped in place giving the driver and passenger full access to the elements without having to remove the whole top, a great option for a short ride on a 28 degree C day in September. And unlike other convertibles, the Jeep Wrangler can be purchased with soft top, hard top, or both and changed seasonally as you prefer.

The other thing that I loved about the Jeep Wrangler Sport Unlimited is that it is a true 4 door with seating for 5 plus luggage, groceries or whatever. And with the longer wheel base, this vehicle has an exceptionally smooth almost car like ride. The Unlimited has been around since 2007 but now in addition to being a rugged off-roader, Jeep Wrangler is now even more than ever a rugged family vehicle capable of delivering city and highway performance, decent fuel economy, and still delivering you to the heart of the wilderness if you desire.

Chrysler Prepares for a Strong Future

As the 2012‘s continue to arrive at the dealership, we hear lots of speculation and hinting from Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne regarding the future direction of Chrysler. For those who have been following for years, Chrysler and Fiat’s partnering lead to a complete revamp of all models for 2011. This lead to approximately 26% increase in sales of 2011 models over 2010’s. The 2010’s that did not change have been put on the chopping block.

What can we expect in the next few years?

The first new major product announcement made by Chrysler is the Dodge Dart. This replaces the Caliber in the compact market and will be released in 2012 as a midseason 2013. It brings a lot of new technology to the market and borrows its underpinnings from the relatively new Alfa Romeo Giulietta that is currently being produced by Fiat in Italy. Expect to see a Chrysler hatchback version of the Dart in the following year (2014) called the 100 to fit Chryslers new branding of its compact, mid, and full size models.

The Alfa Romeo DNA that finds itself in the new Dodge Dart has been slated to replace the previous Caliber underpinnings in its Jeep counterparts. Marchione has hinted that the Compass, the 200, the Dodge Avenger and the Liberty will all be relaunched in the next couple of years with similar Chassis’ to the new Dodge Dart.

Fiat and Chrysler have had a huge success with the Chrysler developed Pentastar Engine and hope to have similar success in the compact market with the revamped I4 to power all these new vehicles. The I4 World Engine that was used to power the compact and midsize models has been reengineered to be lighter, more powerful, more economical to run, and quieter. This new engine has been dubbed the Tigershark and will be debuting in 3 sizes and matched to either a six-speed manual or a six-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission.

In other Chrysler news, Marchionne states that Pentastar engine production will need to grow to 1.2 million engines per year. In two years Chrysler has produced 1 million engines. With a new production facility opening in Mexico, Chrysler was originally planning on about 1 million units per year. Watch to see Pentastar options in the rest of the models including Ram trucks in the upcoming years.

Journey R/T is a Sure Footed People Mover

By Darren Somersall It was a cool February morning that I was handed the keys of a new 2012 Journey R/T AWD crossover and asked to deliver it across town. It had just snowed for the previous two days leaving a nice snowy and slushy mess on the roads as the temperature hovered just below freezing. On the way to work I had driven a front wheel drive minivan that usually has great traction but found that it spun and had trouble getting started in the loose snow. I was looking forward to testing the AWD capabilities of the Journey R/T. The Journey that I drove had capacity for 5, but a 7 passenger option is available and is the roomiest 7 passenger in its class. With 2nd row Tilt’n Slide seating, and rear doors opening nearly 90 degrees, it’s also the most accessible. The great thing about Journey’s at all trim levels is the proximity keyless entry and push button start. Never having to retrieve the keys from your pocket, especially when you are carrying packages is an excellent feature. Once in the driver’s seat I merely touched the brake pedal and pushed the start button and the Pentastar V6 jumped to life. The first thing I noticed when I sat in the Journey was the comfort of the leather seats. They are contoured to fit your body and with the heated seat option it warmed up quickly. I also enjoyed exploring the large easy to navigate 8.4 inch U-Connect touch screen command center. I quickly found my favourite satellite radio station and turned it up. The model that I drove was equipped with U-Connect Bluetooth, Sirius Satellite and Garmin Navigation. As I pulled out of the snow I noted the responsiveness of the V6 as it accelerated quickly and nimbly cornered through the crowded dealership lot. There were no traction issues and I found the vehicle sure footed in a tight situation. As I left the dealership and merged into moving traffic I noted the pile of snow that had accumulated in the merge lane but found there was no slippage as I sped to match the traffic travelling at 80km/hr. The R/T is equipped with a 3.6 L Pentastar V6 with Variable Valve Timing that produces 283 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. This motor is rated as a Wards’ 10 best pick and has best in class power for mid-size crossovers. This engine is matched with a 6 speed automatic transmission, delivering a great combination of power and fuel efficiency. When merging in traffic or needing a quick burst of speed for passing, the Journey R/T delivers. Continuing with my drive I noted on a section of winding roads how responsive the steering was and how the sport suspension handled quick lane changes and turns. At no point did I feel restricted in my driving style by power or handling limitations, and when a recent snow fall is thrown into the mix, the sure footed AWD delivered road confidence. When I arrived at my destination, I reversed the vehicle into a tight parking spot. I found the rear back up camera coupled with park assist, (sensors that warn of items approaching your rear bumper as you reverse), guided me to within inches of the vehicle behind me. After my extended test drive of the Journey R/T I could easily see why Consumer Guide Automotive ranked the 2012 Journey a “Best Buy”, and the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada named it best SUV/CUV under $35,000. Journey was a 2011 IIHS Top Safety Pick, with best in class storage and power. No wonder that Dodge Journey has become Canada`s #1 selling crossover. Dodge Journey wins AJAC CUV/SUV under $35,000 Car of the Year The Canadian Automobile Journalists Association named the 2012 Dodge Journey as the CUV/SUV Car of the Year for the under $35,000 price category. See the results at: http://www.ajac.ca/web/ccoty/2012/comparison_category.asp?cat=126

DODGE GRAND CARAVAN BLENDS PERFORMANCE AND UTILITY

2012 Dodge Grand Caravan

By Darren Somersall

The Grand Caravan is Dodge’s famous segment leading minivan with anywhere from 70% to 90% of the Canadian market depending on region. In fact Dodge invented the segment in 1984 and have stuck by it even when other manufacturers have run towards more profitable segments like SUVs and CUVs. And why has Dodge stuck by the minivan? Everyday Canadian families decide that they need a practical vehicle that can fit family and friends one day and move a combination of cargo and people the next, and move sheets of plywood or drywall on the odd weekend project. And they want to do all of this without having to spend money on a high end vehicle. The minivan offers all of this and more for the price of the average mid-size car.

Once families have made the decision that a minivan is the way to go, they love the fact that the Dodge Grand Caravan has best in class versatility with its industry exclusive 2nd and 3rd row stow’n go that folds up and disappears in cargo bins in the floor leaving a full 4 x 8 cargo area that can carry up to 1000 lbs. They also love the available rear seat entertainment center that plays CD’s, DVD’s and allows up to 3 different radio options simultaneously for the occupants. Many are impressed by the safety features including 7 airbags that make Grand Caravan a 2011 Insurance Institute for Highway Safety “Top Safety Pick”.
Once I have shown families these features I suggest that they take one for a drive and often they say, “Why? It’s just a minivan.” These people are setting themselves up to miss out on one of the best parts of the new Dodge Grand Caravan. In 2011 Grand Caravan had a makeover that included interior soft touch surfaces and ergonomic controls but most importantly it introduced a new more powerful drive train. Gone is the 3.3 L 178 hp of the 2010 Grand Caravan and now Chrysler has introduced the new 283 hp 3.6L DOHC Pentastar engine with Variable Valve Timing, paired with a new 6 speed automatic transmission. This combination increases horsepower by 60% while providing better fuel economy than the old powertrain. The pentastar engine increases power, decreases fuel consumption, emissions, and noise. These features all contribute to the Pentastar earning a Ward’s 10 Best Engines award for 2 years in a row. If you have ever tried to merge into fast moving traffic or pass a slow moving vehicle on a two lane blacktop you will appreciate how much power the new Grand Caravan has.
If you are considering a new vehicle and could benefit from the versatility that a minivan can provide, you owe it to yourself to check out the new 2012 Grand Caravan. With current rebates this vehicle is now selling for the lowest price it has been in 18 years, with many of the new features that we have come to expect in todays vehicles.

2011 Pre-owned Dodge Avenger is great value

When I arrived at Waverley Chrysler in April of 2011 one of the first things I did was test drive all of the vehicles. Comparing them head to head I definitely developed some favourites among the lineup. The first favourite that I had was a 2011 Avenger SXT. I drove this vehicle back to back with the new 200 Limited and compared them. On paper the vehicles were very similar. Both models had the same motor and transmission as well as the overall dimensions. Dashes and options were very similar but driving these two V6's was as different as night and day. I drove the Avenger SXT first. I had just driven a Charger SE, so I was familiar with the power of the 283hp Pentastar V6 in the Charger platform. I was pleasantly surprised with the Avenger. The Avenger differs from the Charger both in size and drive train. With a smaller and lighter frame, and front wheel drive, the Avenger seems to be pulling you forward and throwing you back in your seat at the same time. The Avenger SXT is built for drivers. The 2011 had a complete retuning of its suspension, including McPherson struts up front and multilink coils in the rear. The effect was a fun, sporty driving experience that left me calculating what I needed to do to make that vehicle my everyday driver.
Next I drove the Chrysler 200 Limited. The interior was very similar to the Avenger SXT including leather, sunroof and 6.5 inch touch screen media center. Compared to the beast that was waiting to be unleashed with the Avenger, the 200 was a very sophisticated ride. Comfort, quality, and smooth ride are hallmarks of the Chrysler experience and are all present in the Chrysler 200.
It's now 2012 and the new models are out and the 2011's are returning from rental companies and other programs. The vehicles that I test drove in April '11 are now on our lot as 1 year old certified pre-owned vehicles. The Avenger that I drove was retailing for about $ 29,000 cdn. Today that same vehicle sits on our lot with 27,000km and is selling for $19,980.
Here is the listing:

This Weeks Feature Pre-Owned Car:

2011 Dodge Avenger SXT $19,980 27,109 km

This nearly new Avenger SXT has a 3.6l Pentastar DOHC V6 matched with a 6 speed automatic transmission with autostick. At 283 hp this vehicle is rated best in class for power and still manages to achieve 42 mpg or 6.8l/100km highway fuel economy(2011 energuide consumption rating/Transport Canada). Avenger is also a Top Safety Pick by the Institute for Highway Safety. This particular vehicle has a long list of comforts like:

• heated front seats
• 8 way power driver seat
• power sunroof
• sirius satellite radio
• automatic temperature control

• as well as sporty style features including:
• 18 inch aluminum wheels
• dual exhaust with bright tips
• rear spoiler
• projector fog lamps
• leather wrapped steering wheel with audio controls

This vehicle is a sporty driver and packs the punch of a V6 Charger or Challenger in a smaller lighter vehicle. The 2011 Avenger has a completely retuned suspension over earlier models and delivers exceptional sporty handling.

If you or anyone you know would be interested in this vehicle, email me at darrensomersall@gmail.com or call me at 204-802-8273. See more pre-owned vehicles at www.waverleychrysler.ca