Kia Optima Punches Way Above its Class

Kia Optima Punches Way Above its Class

I would be completely remiss if I did not tell you about my latest driving experience.  This afternoon I took a little drive in a Kia Optima.  This vehicle was completely off my radar until I walked into a Kia dealership today and they told me about the vehicle that won the 2012 AJAC Family Car of the Year Award (under $30,000) and the Motoring 2012 Best Family Car and Overall Car of The Year.  In fact when I walked into the show room and looked under the hood and found a 4 cylinder engine, I was even less impressed.  I was told the vehicle had 200 hp, which I admit is high for a naturally aspirated I4.  I was then told that the car had gasoline direct injection (GDI). I have heard about this and know that it widens the performance window so that the vehicle has lots of pickup at low RPM.  The last vehicle that I drove with a 2.4L I4 was the Chrysler 200.  I commented that the vehicle had good pickup once the RPM’s were above 3000.  The sales consultant told me to test out the acceleration, and that I would be pleasantly surprised.

The model that I test drove was an LX+.  An LX is the base model, an EX is the mid model and SX is the top designation in the Kia brand.  I will describe the model that I drove that was priced at $26,545 plus freight and taxes.

When I sat in the vehicle, I noted how the contour seat fit like a glove and that the 10 way power seat and tilt, telescoping steering wheel were easy to set up to the optimum comfort setting. I took a quick inspection and noted the 7 air bags, and electronic stability control. This along with a number of standard safety features make this vehicle an IIHS top safety pick.

When I left the lot and accelerated into traffic, this vehicle completely blew me away.  The car leapt ahead right from a near rest without any lag at all.  I noted that the Optima had the quick response that is more important than high RPM horse-power, especially when taking off from a stop.  And once I got over the sheer excitement of the take-off, I realized that the suspension allowed for a nice smooth ride while not sacrificing sporty handling.  The Optima was equipped with a 6 speed automatic that also doubles as a manual with available paddle shifters (SX) on the steering wheel.  There is also an Eco Mode on the steering wheel which allows for optimal fuel economy by shifting the transmission and lowering the engine revs when coasting to maximize fuel economy to 50 mpg (Imperial) / 5.6L/100km highway and 33 mpg / 8.6L/100km city.  I actually travelled 18 km across the city in Eco Mode and achieved an impressive 9.1L/100km.  Crossing the city back to the dealership without Eco Mode engaged I achieved a close 9.3L/100km.

Some of the other features that are usually reserved for high end autos but included in this package are panoramic sunroof, Bluetooth, Sirius satellite, heated seats, dual exhaust, USB and auxiliary cable plugs, LED turn signals on the side view mirrors,  and auto dimming rear view mirror.  Also available on other models are heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, sport suspension and paddle shifters (SX), smart key with proximity entry and push button start, HID headlamps, rain sensing wipers, and more.  These features give the Optima a luxury feel that makes the driver feel like he is driving a vehicle that is in a much higher price category.


Editor's Note:  This article was originally written on Easter Monday, April 9th, 2012.  This was my first day working at Birchwood Kia and marks a new adventure that has since proven to be very worthwhile!

Chrysler 200 is Canada's Most Affordable Mid-Size Sedan

Chrysler has put special incentives on the 2012 200 LX.  Base models are selling for $16,495 plus freight fees and taxes.

I recently had the opportunity to test drive this vehicle when I rented one for the day.  I used the vehicle exclusively for city driving as I headed downtown for dinner and an evening out.  I had hoped for the V6 as I had previously driven a Dodge Avenger with the V6 and absolutely loved the driving experience.  The vehicle that was delivered to me was equipped with the 2.4L I-4 cylinder engine matched with the 4 speed automatic transmission, the base LX package.  I was expecting a much softer ride in the 200 as the suspension is not as sporty as the Avenger, and I was also expecting a lot of lag and soft pickup as the 4 cylinder 2.4l ‘World’ engine is only 173 HP compared to the Best-In-Class Pentastar V6 283 HP power plant.  What I found instead was a responsive vehicle that had enough pickup to make the drive fun while delivering a much larger luxury car feel because of its touring suspension.

The only options that were added to this vehicle were the 17 inch alloy wheels and the U-connect Sirius satellite radio package.  The 17 inch alloy wheels make the vehicle look like a higher option package, and when seeing the vehicle parked on the street, it was certainly a striking looking car.  One of the features of this vehicle that I had not experienced by seeing them on the car lots was the halogen projector headlamps.  These are rarely seen on entry level vehicles and when combined with the LED running lights and tail lights, give the car a sophisticated look of a much more exotic automobile.  The halogen projector headlamps provide excellent roadway illumination because the beams are better focussed.  You actually see a line where the headlamps stop on the horizon providing protection from glare for on-coming traffic.

One of the features that I thought was completely stylistic instead of practical was the analogue clock on the dash above the radio.  Perhaps I’m showing my age when I say it quickly grew on me as a desirable feature.  It was well-placed, well lit, and very functional.  This is one indicator that the 200 seeks out a more mature discerning vehicle buyer who is interested in form while still keeping within a budget.  The Chrysler 200 offers great styling while still being Canada’s most affordable mid-size sedan, based on 2011 Polk Standard Mid-Size Sedan segment.  In addition this vehicle has six standard advanced multistage airbags, electronic stability control with an all speed traction control, active front head restraints, and antilock four-wheel disc brakes, making this vehicle an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Top Safety Pick.

The driver in me needed to stretch the car out a bit and see what the 4 cylinder would do.  It had a soft fuel-efficient start off the line but once the vehicle hit 3000 RPM, it shot ahead, showing a considerable amount of spunk.  This motor with the 4 speed auto transmission is not made for drag race starts but it provides considerable acceleration. One option available in this vehicle is the 6 speed automatic transmission with auto/stick, which allows you to change gears manually without a clutch. The 6 speed transmission improves gas mileage to 44 mpg hwy, and when you use the auto/stick option and drop it down a gear to get the revs to jump a bit you can get some real on demand acceleration.

Other standard features on this base model 200 LX include steering wheel mounted audio controls, tire pressure monitoring, remote keyless entry, tilt/telescoping steering wheel, air conditioning, 17 inch wheels, power windows, locks, and heated power mirrors, and driver height adjustable drivers seat with lumbar support.

All of this and a Best-In-Class pricing of $16,495 makes the Chrysler 200 a great vehicle for the budget minded individual who expects a touch of class.

The Ultimate Value Package for the Grand Caravan

Waverley Chrysler has once again ordered a large number of Dodge Grand Caravan's with full Stow n' Go, DVD, Parkview back up camera, U-connect bluetooth with Sirius Satellite Radio, 283 hp 3.6 l V6 with 6 speed automatic.  These are the Canadian Ultimate Family Value Package van priced at a national sales price of $26,980.  Last year Waverley Chrysler in Winnipeg sold more of these packages than anyone else in Western Canada.  This year we want a repeat so in addition to everything mentioned, Waverley Chrysler will add autostart to your Ultimate Family Value Van at no extra charge.  Because we sold more than anyone else last year, we have been given the biggest allocation of these vehicles.  If you are interested in Canada`s best selling minivan come on down and see me at Waverley Chrysler.

2012 DODGE CHARGER R/T: Forward Charger

Dodge sport sedan just gets better
By: Graeme Fletcher
While the reworked Dodge Charger will be mistaken for nothing other than a Charger, the upgrades mark a big step forward.
The look is sharper and has more substance, while the interior is so much better than before. It all comes together in a package that is both comfortable and formidable when the power under the R/T's hood is flexed. Of the so-called muscle cars, it is, for my money, the segment leader.

more.... http://autos.winnipegfreepress.com/news-article/id-4545/

Dodge Caravan Offers Performance and Utility

Dodge Caravan Offers 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.

Six Chrysler vehicles named “Best Buys”

Six Chrysler vehicles named “Best Buys”

Posted on January 18th, 2012 • by Bill Cawthon reposted from http://www.allpar.com/news/index.php/2012/01/six-chrysler-vehicles-named-best-buys

Chrysler Group received nine awards in Consumer Guide Automotive’s 2012 list of “Best Buys” and “Recommended Picks.”
Six Chrysler Group models were awarded Consumer Guide’s prestigious “Best Buys” for the 2012 model year; three more were selected as “Recommended Picks” in the 2012 list.
Chrysler “Best Buys” are: Chrysler 300, Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Charger, Dodge Grand Caravan, and Dodge Journey and the Ram 1500
Models that received “Recommended Picks” by Consumer Guide for the 2012 model year are: Jeep Grand Cherokee, Dodge Durango and Fiat 500
“We are honored and thrilled to have nine vehicles named as ‘Best Buys’ or ‘Recommended Picks’ by Consumer Guide Automotive,” said Reid Bigland, President and CEO – Dodge Brand and Head of U.S. Sales. “Chrysler Group launched an unprecedented 16 all-new or substantially-refreshed vehicles in 2010 and 2011, models that continue to resonate with both consumers and objective, third parties like Consumer Guide.”
A “Best Buy” rating signifies that a vehicle is ranked at the top of its class and is strongly approved by the editors. “Best Buy” vehicles represent the finest balance of attributes and price within their classes, and they are the best choices for most consumers. Consumer Guide’s “Recommended Picks” feature vehicles that, though not ranked at the very top of their category, are still worth strong consideration by consumers for their unique combination of attributes and value.

Durango named best Mid-Size Traditional Utility on Total Value Index

Posted on March 15th, 2012 • by Bill Cawthon  republished from www.Allpar.com http://www.allpar.com/news/index.php/2012/03/durango-named-best-mid-size-traditional-utility-on-total-value-index

Strategic Vision today released the results of the most recent Total Value Index (TVI). The Dodge Durango was named the best total value in the mid-size traditional utility segment, besting the Ford Explorer and Hyundai Santa Fe.
Total Value is based on owner statements covering 442 attributes and focuses on immediate and expected (long term) economic factors such as warranty, technical innovation, standard equipment, fuel effciency, etc.
Chris Chaney, the company’s Vice President and head of Automotive Research, said, “Our study is the most comprehensive in the industry. In addition to vehicle perceptions, we know what political party the owner claims, their personal media habits and hobbies, as well as what ethnicity they claim —all self-reported and not using any multifarious appended algorithms or systems.”
Chaney adds to the Total Value results, “An important ‘time marker’ in this year’s study is that for the first time in over ten years American manufacturers lead the number of Total Value winners with eleven segment leaders. This is an important milestone toward the ‘domestic comeback.’”
“The way you become a Value leader in this economy is to create an exceptional product that is affordable. Price alone will not determine value. Finally, you deliver vehicles like the Jetta SportWagen and the Volkswagen CC — both segment winners — that fit into the economic structure we live in, including gas prices, fears about rising prices and the economy, and affordability that make the purchase so very desirable. You get so much for such a reasonable, affordable cost with short-term issues (like MPG, plus performance) and long-term issues (like expected dependability and even resale),” says Dr. Darrel Edwards, Founder and Executive Director of Strategic Vision.
The “Total” Value equation involves a number of important cues like great MPG, Resale, Price and Reliability — but what cannot be forgotten is the importance of Innovation. Innovation must be impactful, intuitive and true to what owners desire. This is what owners respond to and what they connect with in meaningful ways, such as they did with the “all new” Mid-Size Traditional SUV segment leader Dodge Durango.