Posts Tagged ‘chevrolet cruze’

Jill Ciminillo

I have to admit, I don’t quite understand the point of the 2011 Honda CR-Z. It’s supposed to be sporty. And it’s supposed to be a hybrid. But with all the compromises involved, it kind of fails at both.

Fuel economy for this 3-door coupe is rated at 31 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway. A 31 city number is nothing to sneeze at. If you could actually achieve it. Which, in a city like Chicago, is difficult. And you might think 37 mpg for the highway is pretty good, until you remember this is a compact 2-seater that weighs 2,650 pounds (EX model with the MT).

When non-hybrids like the Hyundai Elantra and Chevrolet Cruze Eco are rated at 40 and 42 mpg respectively on the highway, you’ve got to look at the CR-Z and give it a bit of a “Huh?”

Might be time to rethink that mild hybrid  vs. full hybrid thing, Honda.

Automakers like Toyota and Ford create “full” hybrids, which means that the vehicles have the ability to drive in electric-only mode as long as the battery is charged and you don’t go over a certain speed (somewhere in the 30 to 45 mph range). But Honda creates “mild” hybrids, which means that the Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) gives an electric boost in power when accelerating and enables the engine to turn off during braking and when at a complete stop. In some instances, Civic and Insight hybrids are able to operate in electric-only mode while cruising — but only when maintaining a constant or decelerating speed. As soon as soon as the gas pedal engages for active acceleration, the gasoline engine kicks in. The CR-Z can’t drive in electric-only mode at all. And that is why a midsize car like the Prius is rated at 48 mpg on the highway, and a compact car like the CR-Z only gets 37.

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Jill Ciminillo

I really like the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze. In theory.

This all-new car replaces the Cobalt for the 2011 model year, and it brings a much-needed “cool” into the compact car segment. The interior is stunning with nice touch points and an attractive, curving design. The exterior far surpasses its predecessor–from the headlights all the way to the taillights.

The 1.4-liter, 4-cylinder turbocharged engine delivers 138 horsepower, and it’s just enough pep to move you through traffic and keep you competitive off the start from red lights.

2011 Chevrolet Cruze LTZ

The test vehicle was a top-of-the line LTZ model ($22,695) and included standard features like leather seats, OnStar Directions and Connections, XM Radio, Bluetooth connectivity for your cell phone, steering wheel audio controls, tilt and telescoping steering wheel, USB port and (my favorite) heated front seats.

All that combined with high fuel efficiency numbers, an affordable price tag and a cute, compact package, it should have made it a perfect 10.

That’s where the “in theory” part comes in.

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Jill Ciminillo

I’d like to think the hatchback craze has finally started to catch on in the US. And when you have vehicles like the 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX 5-door, how could it not?

What an interesting, fast, attractive, functional and fun vehicle. The compact bullet shape is perfect for city driving, and the 265-horsepower, 2.5-liter turbocharged Boxer engine is pure glee.

This is exactly the kind of car I could own living in Chicago. The compact size and I-mean-business hood scoop had me at hello. The peppy engine power and smooth 5-speed manual transmission got me shortly thereafter.

My first foray onto the highway had me smiling with delight at the quick on-ramp acceleration. And the tight steering and stiff suspension had me weaving in and out of traffic like a race car driver. The ride and handling was all sport and not an iota of cheap.

Which is nice considering the base price of the WRX is $26,220 with destination. And that includes the standard all-wheel drive (AWD), steering wheel audio controls, Bluetooth connectivity, iPod integration and Sirius Satellite Radio. Personally, that’s all I’d need in a car.

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