New Hyundai Genesis Coupe Price, Review, Specs, car reviews, Hyundai has always been known for its surprises. Over the past couple of years the Automobile Company has gone through major evolutions to come up with the best. No wonder critics have been so eagerly waiting for the all new Hyundai Genesis Coupe.

New Hyundai Genesis And Specs

The new look and feel:
• Hyundai Genesis Coupe is a changed car. The new look almost changes the car and make it largely dissimilar to its previous model. With its sculptured hood and angular headlights, instead of appearing sleek the car now looks more aggressive and powerful. Though some may not like the look at first, many will prefer it soon.
• Not only has the external façade changed, the Hyundai Genesis Coupe has undergone some major changes in its interiors too. The interior looks and feels better than before with additional features displaying the fuel economy, oil temperature etc. Additional gauges show the torque output and boost pressure. The interior looks different also due to a telescoping steering blue and blue semantics system.

Increased performance:

• Hyundai Genesis Coupe does deliver increased performance and is bound to impress one and all. There has been an increase in both the engine capacity as well as rise in the torque. The engine is also powered with a larger intercooler.
• Fuel economy increases, though it could have increased much more. Nevertheless saving fuel, no matter how less is always a welcome feature.
• The Power of the Hyundai Genesis Coupe is up and increased to almost thirty percent. This guarantees a pleasurable and fast ride for everyone.
• With the increase in its power and the overall betterment of the engine, the Hyundai Genesis Coupe is almost as good as a sports car. You can now speed away, no matter which terrain you are in.
• Hyundai Genesis Coupe offers a tighter steering ratio. This feature is almost a blessing as it allows you to drive through the tricky corners easily.

New Hyundai Genesis Coupe Price

The price for this car is about $24,250

Ford Focus Econetic Price, Review, Specs, what car reviews, The latest car in the Ford family, the Ford Focus Econetic is all set to rule the roads. Upholding the Ford tradition, the Ford Econetic is as beautiful on the outside, as it is comfortable on the inside. As the name suggest, this car is very eco friendly with very high fuel efficiency. The car consumes about 3.5 liters of petrol for every 100 kms traversed. With the help of latest technological advancement, this car releases less carbon dioxide in the environment making it very eco friendly and at the same time no compromise has been made on the quality of the engine or performance.

This car comes with an aerodynamic design which ensures a smooth ride and it delivers a power packed performance with a 1.6l turbo charged engine. The Ford Focus Econetic comes in either a 89 or a 108BHP model generating 240Nm of torque. The car comes with low rolling resistance tyres to reduce drag and overall loads on the engine. Some of the other includes in the car are a Thermal management system for effective warm up, an electronic steering for smooth navigation and a low friction engine for sustained performance.

The car is equipped with a 5 speed manual transmission and has a very good pick up. The dashboard is very well lit and it provides the driver with all the necessary information that is required while enjoying a comfortable ride. The interiors are absolutely stunning and plush with very comfortably leather seats that not only look elegant but also provide a very comfortable ride. The Ford Focus Econetic has ample leg space for its class which means that passengers don’t have to crouch and they can have a comfortable long distance ride as well. The boot is also spacious enabling a family to pack enough luggages for a short trip or a vacation.

Ford Focus Econetic Specs :

Ford has brought in a heap of powertrain changes, chief among them a stop-start system which automatically kills the engine when its idling and switches it back on as the driver reengages the clutch. This technology is nothing new but it makes a big impact on a car whose 107bhp 1.6-litre Duratorq diesel engine is already one of the most fuel-efficient on the market.

The claimed fuel economy figure – 74.2 mpg to be precise – is impressive, but the Econetic’s CO2 emissions are incredible, breaking below the 100g/km barrier for the first time in the Focus’ history. This is an astonishing achievement for a car of this size, and one that makes this Focus Econetic exempt from vehicle tax and puts it in the lowest benefit-in-kind bracket possible for company car users.

2012 Skoda Citigo Price, Review, Specs, what car reviews, If you are looking for a small car with the performance capabilities of a sedan, then look no further than the Skoda Citigo. As the name suggests, this car is primarily meant for the cities enabling one to overcome the crowded streets and wriggle out of any congestion owing to its size. This car has been mirrored on the Volkswagon Up and boasts of amazing technology and supreme agility perfect for city conditions. The Skoda Citigo can comfortably house 4 passengers and it also boasts of a large boot space. So if you are planning for a small excursion with your family, luggage will not be a problem at all.

This car is as safe as it gets. With amazing new technologies used to construct this car, safety has been given a first priority. The front seats are equipped with head thorax air bags to protect the head in case of a front impact accident and it also comes with a new braking system that works on laser sensor which is activated at a speed below 30km/h. With all these amazing specifications, the car will still be reasonably priced and quality will not be compromised.

It is one of the most fuel efficient cars in its class with an average mileage of 11 km/l in the cities which goes up to 15.4 km/l on the highway. The 1L petrol variant comes with a 60BHP engine generating 44kw power at a top torque of 95 Nm. It has an acceleration of 0-100km/h in about 15 seconds and has a top speed of 165km/h. With a powerful xenon headlight on the outside and stylish and elegant interiors, the Skoda Citigo is set to rule over the mini car section for quite some time now. With the best air conditioning in its class, the Skoda Citigo is aptly a city car as it will ensure the passengers and the driver beat the city heat even when they are stuck on the road.

2012 Skoda Citigo Specs :

Two new, three-cylinder 1.0-litre petrol engines will be available after the Citigo’s launch (44 kW/60 HP and 55 kW/75 HP). The engines and the transmission have been designed to provide optimum economy in cities and their surroundings. Reaching the operating temperature even on short distances, the engines are highly economical. The highly economical Green tec version offers an average consumption of 4.2 l/100km and 4.3 l/100km respectively; with emissions of 97 g and 99 g CO2/km respectively. The fuel consumption and emission levels are indeed low – 4.5 l/100 km and 105 g CO2/km with the 44 kW engine and 4.7 l/100 km and 108 g CO2/km with the 55 kW unit.

Despite their low volumes, the engines reach high torque at low noise levels. The 1.0 MPI engine is used as the platform for alternative-fuel units, such as CNG (Compressed Natural Gas). CO2 output of this version will be from 79 g/km. Besides the manual transmission that is available from launch, ŠKODA will offer a five-speed automatic transmission in 2012 as an alternative to make this new small vehicle even more comfortable.

2012 Peugeot 208 Price, Review, Specs, what car reviews, The all new Peugeot 208 The brand Peugeot has commanded the respect in the world of auto mobiles and vehicles for quite some time and the tradition continues with the new Peugeot 208. Trying to compare it with its previous model will be a waste of time as the changes are so radical; it is in fact a brand new car. By simply looking at the car, one can figure out the changes. This car is smaller in size than the 207 version but has a more spacious interior. Also, the car might look a bit bulkier on the outside but is actually lighter than its predecessor.

Classified as a mini, this car is power packed and reaches a top speed of 224 kmph. The Peugeot 208 comes with a massive acceleration of 0-100 km/h in 7 seconds. The new Peugeot comes in a 3 door and a 5 door variant as well as in petrol and diesel. The new Peugeot has many sub variants with the top spec diesel model of 1.6L e-HDI engine with a horse power of 92bhp and the top spec petrol model of 1.6L turbo petrol engine with a horse power of 155bhp and all the models are equipped with a 5 speed manual transmission.

The new Peugeot comes with plush interiors and an amazing dashboard giving the driver all the information required while on the road. The seats are very comfortable with a complete leather finish and the car comes equipped with a very powerful music system. The Peugeot 208 is also set to be launched in a sports variant with a 1.6L turbo engine and having a horse power ranging from 154 to 204. The new Peugeot model comes with a larger boot space and more powerful head lights to give it an overall stunning looks and with amazing specifications, it promises to give a power packed performance.

2012 Peugeot 208 Specs :

The proportions of the B-segment fighter are stunning, especially in its two-door configuration where it looks a lot like Citroen’s DS3.

The 208 is smaller than the 207, measuring 3,975 mm in length, which is almost the same as the Citroen DS3’s 3,950 mm. The new supermini loses most of the extra proportions mostly in its nose overhang, and about 110kg (250 lbs) of kerb weight. It wheelbase is identical to the 207, yet Peugeot has reportedly made the interior dimensions a bit bigger.

It’s also supposed to be a lot greener, something Peugeot is keen on these days, as it will come with a choice of two three-cylinder engines: a 1.0-liter with 75 hp and a 1.2-liter with 100 hp. The diesel range will see plenty of e-HDi units as well, providing up to 140 hp.

There’s also going to be an RC (GTi in the UK) with a 1.6-liter 154 hp in the base form and over 200 hp in the RC Racing form.

2012 Range Rover Evoque Price, review, Specs, what car reviews, Car enthusiasts have always been drawn to a powerful and rugged mean machine. Fulfill your dreams by getting the new Range Rover Evoque. Space gets a new definition with this new Range Rover invention. It is an SUV but it gives the luxury of a sedan. It is a very impressive beast and has managed to make its place in today’s fluctuating and competitive market. Its most majestic feature is its powerful engine. It has an engine of a 5liter LR-V8 motor which uses 375 horsepower.

The Evoque uses the command shift technology and its efficiency comes due to its 6 speed automatic transmission technology. Within 7.2 seconds it accelerates up to the speed of 60 miles per hour. Now that kind of power is what would definitely make car enthusiast go weak in the knees. With a powerful growl, this classic beast of a car can go up to the speed of 130 miles an hour. With perfect control and smooth cruising, this is the car to look out for. For rocky and patchy roads, this car is the best. Taking uneven roads as a challenge, this powerful car can withstand and perform under any road circumstances. It also has the rare hill descent control because of its gradient release control technology.

You must be wondering about your safety when you hear about its high performance in harsh terrains. Well, it has passed the crash test successfully and it comes with the complete safety package- anti-lock brakes, front and back seat airbags, traction control and 19 inches 7 spoke alloy wheels. It also has powerful xenon headlights so that a drive on a dark night would also be safe an enjoyable. It comes with amazing sound system, comfortable luxurious seats, lots of space and even a virtual LCD panel. So what else can you ask from a car?

2012 Range Rover Evoque Specs :

Drivetrain : All Wheel Drive
Curb Weight (lbs) : 3902
City (MPG) : 18
Hwy (MPG) : 28
Horsepower : 240@5500
Torque (lb-ft) : 251@1750
Wheelbase : 104.8
Length (in.) : 171.9
Width (in.) : 77.4
Height (in.) : 63.2

2012 Fisker Karma Price, Review, Specs, what car reviews, Luxury cars are everybody’s dream. And since now we are all concerned about our dying planet, we all need to do our bit to save what we have. Reduction of pollution can be done on a large scale by electric cars. But till today, all electric cars were mostly small and looked more or less like a toy. So, not many people were interested in buying electric cars. But today, you can buy a luxury electric car. After president Obama said that he would like to see a million electric cars before the end of his presidency, inventors started to think of ways to make electric cars more popular.

The Fisker Karma is finally here. In the year 2008, Aston Martin designer Henrick Fisker, gave his designs for the Fisker karma. But the launched was supposed to happen in the year 2009. Due to financial interruptions, the launched kept on being rescheduled. After 2009, there was not much buzz about this car. But finally, in the year 2012, it was finally launched and now it’s in full production. Being an electric car doesn’t hold back the Fisker Karma in any way. It has a 2l direct injection technique with a turn charged 4 cylinder gasoline engines. It is a soaring end PHEV. For an electric car that is pretty good.

Also it uses about 257 horsepower, but in spite of some minor drawbacks, it is a highly efficient car. After 8 hours of battery charging it can run up to 300 miles. It did not get much acclamation due to poor marketing and people are still under the misconception that electric cars can’t be classy and luxurious. The Fisker Karma is here to change that conception so it is your turn to give this majestic electric car a chance. You will also feel less guilty as you can drive without causing any pollution.

2012 Fisker Karma Specs :

Drivetrain : Rear Wheel Drive
Curb Weight (lbs) : 5300
City (MPG) : TBD
Hwy (MPG) : TBD
Horsepower : 260@TBD
Torque (lb-ft) : 960@TBD
Wheelbase : 124.4
Length (in.) : 196.8
Width (in.) : 84.0
Height (in.) : 52.4

Let the latest Ford Fiesta sweep you off your feet, what car reviews, Are you planning to get a new car for your family? Well then check this review out about the brand new Ford Fiesta and you can’t avoid buying this irresistible latest model of Ford for yourself. Here come the main features of this grandest car ever.

• It would get a ten on ten on its look
• It has got a superb 2 lit engine.
• In built camera with rear view
• Several service centers all over India
• Great handling
• Fabulous control of the cruise
• Best mileage than any of the previous Ford models
• Brilliant resale value

This car has been made intelligently especially for the Indian roads and that is why the suspension is a bit higher and the dynamic R15 tires help you drive smoothly even on the rocky surfaces and pits. The gear of this car comes with a comfortable grip and this car has got B2E as its platform on which the car is built.

Now let’s talk about the highly efficient engine of this car which has huge power of 120bhp and it has coolest valve timing that lets you drive your Ford Fiesta without any hard effort. The gearbox is composed of twin clutch auto system and it is a very low maintenance car which hardly costs you extra whether in terms of fuel consumption or other maintenance charges. The big turbo engine of this car helps you raise the speed smoothly and the interior décor of the car hold a perfect combination of class along with a modern spunky look. The leather clad dashboard looks awesome and all of the seats come with decent room for footing. So don’t delay anymore. Get a Ford Fiesta and drive with pride.

Ford Fiesta Specs :

Built for the road yet inspired by the runway, Fiesta adds fashionable interior style packages that include two-tone leather-trimmed seats with harmonizing door trim inserts, color-coordinated steering wheel and instrument panel trim, premium carpet floor mats with the Fiesta logo proudly embroidered in front and a leather-wrapped gearshift knob.

2012 Ford Fiesta is powered by an advanced 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 120 horsepower and 112 lb.-ft. of torque. This smooth, responsive yet economical engine can be mated to an available PowerShift six-speed automatic transmission. For buyers preferring the control of a stick shift and clutch pedal, a five-speed manual transmission is fitted as standard.

2012 Ford Fiesta’s four-cylinder engine is enhanced by the inclusion of twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT). This innovation helps the no-compromise 2012 Ford Fiesta generate additional power, increases fuel economy, and reduces part-throttle emissions by optimization of valve opening and closing overlap. Managing these events with influence from throttle position and vehicle speed helps the engine to breathe and perform at peak efficiency at all times.

No other car in 2012 Ford Fiesta’s segment offers as many airbag restraints or the Trinity front crash structure. That is why the no-compromise 2012 Ford Fiesta was named a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

2012 Ford Fiesta a small car that is big on safety – features a class-leading array of seven airbags including a class-exclusive driver’s knee airbag, Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), four-wheel anti-lock brakes and Ford’s acclaimed AdvanceTrac® with electronic stability control to help drivers keep the vehicle in control under a wide variety of dynamic driving conditions.

2012 Ford Focus Price, Review, Specs, what car reviews, The Focus is Ford’s compact car that is redesigned for 2012. The Focus was first introduced in 1998 in Europe and came to the U.S. for the 2000 model year. Previous versions of the Focus have received design and performance changes tailored for the U.S. market. The 2012 Focus will be sold in both 5-door hatchback and 4-door sedan versions, and under the One Ford initiative, the Focus sold in the U.S. will be the same as the Focus sold in Europe and other world markets.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

The 2012 Ford Focus is a compact car that’s available in sedan and four-door hatchback body styles. There are four trim levels available: S, SE, SEL and Titanium.

The S model, which is only offered as a sedan, comes with 15-inch steel wheels; keyless entry; air-conditioning; power front windows; power locks and mirrors; a height-adjustable driver seat; a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel; and a four-speaker sound system with a CD player and auxiliary audio jack. Move up to the SE and you get 16-inch steel wheels, automatic headlights, front foglights, a rear spoiler (hatchback only), rear power windows, a trip computer, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls and Ford’s MyKey parental controls. The hatchback is pretty similar but gets a 60/40 split-folding seatback (versus one solid folding seatback) and a removable cargo cover.

The optional Convenience package for the Focus SE adds cruise control and map lights. The SE Sport package adds 16-inch alloy wheels, rear disc brakes, a rear spoiler (sedan), upgraded exterior and interior trim, sport seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Also optional is a six-speaker audio system bundled with Ford’s Sync cell phone and iPod interface.

The SEL model adds one-touch up/down power windows, multicolor ambient lighting and most of the SE’s optional features. Spring for the Titanium model and you get 17-inch alloy wheels, a sport-tuned suspension, upgraded exterior and interior trim, a rear spoiler (sedan), keyless ignition/entry, MyFord Touch technology with an 8-inch center touchscreen and Wi-Fi capability, and a 10-speaker Sony audio system with satellite radio and HD radio. MyFord Touch and the Sony system are optional on the SEL.

The Titanium and SEL Premium packages add rear parking sensors, automatic wipers, a six-way power driver seat, leather upholstery, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and a rear armrest. The Titanium Handling package adds 18-inch wheels, an upgraded sport-tuned suspension, a full-size spare and summer tires. Optional for the SEL and Titanium is a voice-activated navigation system with real-time traffic.

Optional on all but the S is the Winter package, which adds heated front seats and heated mirrors with side marking lamps. The SEL and Titanium can be had with the Parking Technology package, which adds front and rear parking sensors, a rearview camera and an automated parallel parking system. Optional only on the SE sedan is a Super Fuel Economy (SFE) package, which adds 16-inch steel wheels with aero wheel covers, low-rolling-resistance tires, rear disc brakes and a rear spoiler.

The Focus Electric (BEV) will only be available as a four-door hatchback. In terms of equipment, it’s similar to the Titanium trim model. For now, availability is limited to a few select states.

Powertrains and Performance

Under the hood, the front-wheel-drive 2012 Ford Focus has a new 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine that puts out 160 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque. Entry-level S and SE models get a five-speed manual transmission standard, while a six-speed automatic transmission that Ford has dubbed “Powershift” (technically, it’s a dual-clutch automated manual) is standard on SEL and Titanium trim levels. It is optional on the S and SE.

The Focus Electric has a 92-kilowatt electric drive motor that draws power from a 23kWh lithium-ion battery pack. (For reference, the Leaf has an 80-kW motor and a 24kWh battery.) Power is applied to the front wheels through a single-speed direct-drive transmission. Ford promises an effective range of about 100 miles between charging. But as with all electric cars, actual performance will be highly dependent on driving style and environment.

Safety

The 2012 Ford Focus gets a long list of important safety features as standard equipment, including antilock brakes (rear drums on S and SE; rear discs on others), stability control, front side airbags and side curtain airbags. The Ford Sync system, which is available on all Focus models, also now includes an emergency crash notification feature that automatically dials 911 when paired with a compatible cell phone. Ford’s MyKey system, which can be used to set certain parameters for teen drivers, is standard on every Focus except the S sedan.

Interior Design and Special Features

While the handsome exterior of this new Focus might be what initially sets the hook, it’s the total transformation of the passenger cabin that will reel you in. The interior is attractive and quiet, and the materials are best-in-class. The layout of gauges and controls is intuitive to understand in the lower trim levels, but the MyFord Touch option’s touchscreen controls can be tough to figure out at first. Even once mastered, MyFord Touch can be distracting since it requires so much attention to operate properly. Still, technologies like MyFord Touch, Sync, HD radio and the available automatic parking system set the Focus apart from the pack.

The front seats are supportive and comfortable over long distances. The rear seats offer adequate headroom, but come up a little short on legroom when compared with some of the competition. The sedan’s 13.2-cubic-foot trunk is on par for this class, but the hatchback model is still the better choice for the practically minded, with 23.8 cubic feet of space with the 60/40-split rear seats up and a generous 44.8 cubic feet with them folded down. Cargo dimensions for the Focus Electric haven’t yet been released.

Driving Impressions

The 2012 Ford Focus feels like a European car in the way it’s been tuned to provide both sharp handling and a refined ride. There’s very little body roll in corners, while the sharp, communicative steering is a revelation given that it’s electrically assisted. The 2012 Focus is a fun car to drive, especially if it’s the Titanium trim level with the Titanium Handling package.

The 2.0-liter engine isn’t as much of a standout, but it offers competitive performance and fuel economy. The five-speed manual transmission works well enough and gives the car a sportier feel, though we found ourselves wishing for a 6th gear on the highway.

The automatic has that extra gear, though buyers should note that it’s technically a dual-clutch automated manual and behaves differently from a traditional automatic, occasionally rolling slightly back on hills or being reluctant to creep forward when parking. Shift quality is also disappointing and, at times, aggravating. The transmission upshifts too quickly and is too hesitant to downshift unless the throttle pedal is mashed. Both issues likely result from Ford’s effort to maximize fuel economy.

2012 Ford Focus Price :

MSRP range: $16,500 – $22,700
Invoice price range: $15,635 – $21,112

2012 Ford Focus Specs :

4dr Sdn S
* Transmission: Manual
* Drivetrain: Front Wheel Drive
* MPG: 26 City / 36 Hwy
* Engine: Gas I4 2.0L/121
* Horsepower: 160 @ 6500
* Torque: 146 @ 4450 2.0L/121

4dr Sdn SE
* Transmission: Manual
* Drivetrain: Front Wheel Drive
* MPG: 26 City / 36 Hwy
* Engine: Gas I4 2.0L/121
* Horsepower: 160 @ 6500
* Torque: 146 @ 4450 2.0L/121

5dr HB SE
* Transmission: Manual
* Drivetrain: Front Wheel Drive
* MPG: 26 City / 36 Hwy
* Engine: Gas I4 2.0L/121
* Horsepower: 160 @ 6500
* Torque: 146 @ 4450 2.0L/121

4dr Sdn SEL
* Transmission: Automatic
* Drivetrain: Front Wheel Drive
* MPG: 28 City / 38 Hwy
* Engine: Gas I4 2.0L/121
* Horsepower: 160 @ 6500
* Torque: 146 @ 4450 2.0L/121

5dr HB SEL
* Transmission: Automatic
* Drivetrain: Front Wheel Drive
* MPG: 28 City / 38 Hwy
* Engine: Gas I4 2.0L/121
* Horsepower: 160 @ 6500
* Torque: 146 @ 4450 2.0L/121

4dr Sdn Titanium
* Transmission: Automatic
* Drivetrain: Front Wheel Drive
* MPG: 28 City / 38 Hwy
* Engine: Gas I4 2.0L/121
* Horsepower: 160 @ 6500
* Torque: 146 @ 4450 2.0L/121

5dr HB Titanium
* Transmission: Automatic
* Drivetrain: Front Wheel Drive
* MPG: 28 City / 38 Hwy
* Engine: Gas I4 2.0L/121
* Horsepower: 160 @ 6500
* Torque: 146 @ 4450 2.0L/121

2012 Volkswagen Golf Price, Review, Specs, what car reviews, Beyond adjustments to its trim and options structure, the 2012 Volkswagen Golf is unchanged. Notably, however, one of those adjustments is the deletion of optional rear side airbags.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

The 2012 Volkswagen Golf is a five-passenger hatchback available in two- and four-door body styles. Each is broken into 2.5L and TDI trim levels, which correspond to engine choice. The high-performance GTI is discussed in a separate review.

Standard equipment on the base 2.5L Golf includes 15-inch steel wheels, foglights, full power accessories, keyless entry, heated mirrors, cruise control, air-conditioning, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a height-adjustable driver seat, front seat adjustable lumbar, cloth upholstery, a compass, a trip computer and an eight-speaker sound system with a CD player and an auxiliary audio jack. The Convenience package adds heated front seats, a front center armrest and Bluetooth. The Convenience & Sunroof package adds those aforementioned items plus a sunroof, a six-CD changer, satellite radio, an iPod/USB audio interface and a touchscreen audio interface.

The Golf TDI includes all of the above equipment as standard, minus the sunroof. Also included are 17-inch alloy wheels, a sport-tuned suspension, a lower ride height, heated windshield washer nozzles, floor mats and a multifunction leather-wrapped steering wheel. The Sunroof & Navigation package adds the sunroof and a navigation system, but subtracts the compass and auxiliary audio jack. The Tech package includes the Sunroof & Navigation items, plus bi-xenon headlights and a premium Dynaudio sound system.

Powertrains and Performance

The 2012 Volkswagen Golf 2.5L is powered by a 2.5-liter five-cylinder (hence the trim name) that produces 170 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque. These Golf models are classified as partial-zero-emissions vehicles (PZEV) when sold in states with California emissions standards. A five-speed manual transmission is standard and a six-speed automatic is optional. With the automatic, the Golf 2.5L achieves an EPA-estimated 24 mpg city/31 mpg highway and 26 mpg combined. Sticking with the manual improves that to 23/31/26. But either way, that’s worse fuel economy than the Golf’s primary (though admittedly less powerful) competitors.

To get similar to better fuel economy than those competitors, we recommend the Golf TDI. It has a 2.0-liter turbodiesel four-cylinder that puts out a modest 140 hp, but a robust 236 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed manual is standard and a six-speed automated manual (DSG) is optional

Safety

Every 2012 Volkswagen Golf comes standard with traction and stability control, antilock disc brakes, front side airbags and side curtain airbags. In Edmunds brake testing, a Golf TDI came to a stop from 60 mph in 121 feet — a good distance for this segment.

In crash testing by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the Golf received the highest score of “Good” in the frontal-offset, side and roof strength tests.
Interior Design and Special Features

Simply replacing the VW logo on the Golf’s steering wheel with four rings just might be enough to convince you that you’re in an Audi. That’s how nice the Golf’s interior is. Among other compact hatchbacks, the Volkswagen’s blend of top-shelf materials, refined design and quality workmanship place it above all others. The Golf’s cabin is actually much nicer than that of the recently redesigned VW Jetta sedan.

Whether you choose the two- or four-door, the Golf’s passenger space remains the same. For those who plan on shuttling multiple passengers, the four-door is the obvious choice, offering a surprisingly large backseat that’s notably more spacious than that of a Mazda 3. Access to the two-door Golf’s rear seats is made relatively painless thanks to front seats that slide easily out of the way. Behind the rear seats, the cargo area can hold up to 12.4 cubic feet of stuff — double the capacity of a Mini Cooper, but about average for other hatchbacks. Dropping the split-folding rear seats bumps that figure up to 46 cubes.

Driving Impressions

The 2012 Volkswagen Golf’s high level of interior refinement is echoed in its composed, solid feel on the road. At highway speeds, the Golf is significantly quieter than other hatchbacks. Alternately, you can take it out on a curvy road and the well-weighted steering will inspire confidence.

The Golf’s gasoline engine provides strong power throughout the rev range, but it sounds unrefined and we’re betting most buyers would sacrifice some of that muscle for better fuel economy. Opting for the turbodiesel will get you that higher fuel economy along with an abundance of low-end torque. The downsides are the extra noise and a higher price, but in general, the Golf TDI is the more appealing model.

2012 Volkswagen Golf Price :

MSRP range: $17,995 – $36,090
Invoice price range: $17,275 – $34,647

2012 Volkswagen Golf Specs :

Drivetrain : Front Wheel Drive
Curb Weight (lbs) : 2967
City (MPG) : 22
Hwy (MPG) : 33
Horsepower : 170@5700
Torque (lb-ft) : 177@4250
Wheelbase : 101.5
Length (in.) : 165.4
Width (in.) : 70.3
Height (in.) : 58.2

Infiniti EX35 Price, Reviews, Specs, what car reviews, Crossover SUV shoppers, by the very nature of the vehicle they seek, are a demanding bunch. They’re looking for something that drives like a sedan yet is a capable people mover and competent cargo hauler. That’s a tall order to fill. But not everyone seeking this versatility wants a vehicle that has all of these traits in equal portions. Some drivers are willing to sacrifice a measure of utility in exchange for an extra helping of sport. Enter the Infiniti EX35.

The EX35 — part of a growing group of small luxury crossovers — has the “sport” part covered thanks to its mechanical similarity to Infiniti’s highly regarded G Sedan. Packing a powerful V6 and sharp reflexes, the EX35 offers exceptional performance. It also boasts numerous high-end luxury features. The main downside is that the EX35 lacks rear-seat passenger headroom and cargo capacity relative to some rivals. Still, if you’re more concerned about driving than people- and cargo-hauling, the EX35 is one of the best bets in this segment.

The Infiniti EX35 was introduced for 2008 and remained unchanged until 2011 when its name was officially changed to Infiniti EX. Actual vehicle changes consisted of a new seven-speed transmission that improved fuel economy, and some newly available equipment.

The Infiniti EX35 built between 2008 and ’10 was available in two trim levels: base and Journey. Both came standard with a 297-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 and a five-speed automatic transmission. Buyers could choose either rear- or all-wheel drive. Standard features on the base model included automatic climate control, power front seats (heated on AWD models), leather upholstery, an iPod/USB audio interface and a back-up camera. The Journey added niceties like a sunroof, dual-zone climate control, a power-adjustable steering column, Bluetooth and heated front seats. Among the options were a Bose audio system and a hard-drive-based navigation system. Also available was the Around View Monitor video system, which used four “top down” cameras at each corner to assist with parking maneuvers.

Since it came with the same engine as the G35 sedan as well as similar suspension components, it shouldn’t be a surprise that the EX35 shined in terms of driving dynamics. During testing it showed strong acceleration, taking only 6.6 seconds to get to 60 mph, and provided stable, predictable handling without a sacrifice in ride comfort. The EX35 also stopped from 60 mph in just 118 feet, an impressive number for a crossover SUV.

The Infiniti EX35 rewards you with a lively experience behind the wheel, it doesn’t exactly put the “utility” in “sport-utility vehicle.” The EX35 is short on rear cargo room compared to its competitors, and the rear seat offers just 28.5 inches of legroom — also substantially less than what’s available in rival models. However, for singles and couples drawn to the comforts and conveniences of SUV ownership, the elegant Infiniti EX35 is an appealing option. It’s got plenty of power, and it also boasts one of the best ride/handling balances of any premium compact crossover. If you don’t need a lot of space for kids, pets or cargo, we think the EX belongs on your short list of used small luxury crossover SUVs.

Infiniti EX35 Price :

MSRP range: $35,800 – $39,500
Invoice price: Not released

Infiniti EX35 Specs :

Drivetrain : Rear Wheel Drive
Curb Weight (lbs) : 3753
City (MPG) : 17
Hwy (MPG) : 24
Horsepower : 297@6800
Torque (lb-ft) : 253@4800
Wheelbase : 110.2
Length (in.) : 182.3
Width (in.) : 71.0
Height (in.) : 61.9