By Bruce Caldwell Model Tested: 2013 Subaru Xv Crosstrek 4-Door Sedan Engine: 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (boxer configuration), 148 hp, 145 lb/ft Transmission: 5-speed manual, All Wheel Drive EPA Ratings: 23-mpg city/30-mpg highway Base Price: $21,995 As Tested: $22,790 Performance: Very good fuel economy(our best was 33.6 mpg). Reasonably peppy if manual trans is used effectively. Engine […]
Behind The Wheel
Each issue we feature automotive reviews of some of the latest vehicles available — see the newest cars and trucks in the West Sound. These reviews are only a sample of what we have in West Sound Magazine each issue — subscribe to the print version today to see all of what we have to offer!
Posted inBehind The Wheel
2013 Infiniti G37 Coupe: sporty, stylish, and luxurious
By Bruce Caldwell The 2013 Infiniti G37 coupe is a sports car for people who desire performance and fun without attracting unnecessary attention. The G37 coupe (especially with the all-wheel-drive on our tester) has the wherewithal to stay with most competitors, but it’s more likely to fly under the radar than flashier cars. That stealthy […]
Posted inBehind The Wheel
Flash Drive — 2013 Subaru Impreza
By Bruce Caldwell Model Tested: 2013 Subaru Impreza 2.0 Limited 4dr Sedan Engine: 2.0-liter horizontally-opposed 4-cylinder, 148 hp, 145 lb/ft Transmission: CVT automatic, Symmetrical All Wheel Drive EPA Ratings: 27-mpg city/36-mpg highway Base Price: $21,895 As Tested: $24,714 […]
Posted inBehind The Wheel
Flash Drive: 2013 Chevy Volt
By Bruce Caldwell Model Tested: 2013 Chevrolet Volt 4dr Sedan Engine: Electric motor 149-hp, 273-lb/ft plus 1.4-liter 4-cylinder gas engine, 84-hp, 92-lb-ft Transmission: CVT automatic, Front Wheel Drive EPA Ratings: 98-mpg electric (38 mile range)/37-mpg gasoline only Base Price: $39,145 As Tested: $43,375 Performance: Smooth and quiet (almost too quiet in electric mode). Four-hour recharge […]
Posted inBehind The Wheel
Flash Drive: 2012 Volkswagen Passat TDI
By Bruce Caldwell Model Tested: 2012 Volkswagen Passat TDI-SE 4-door sedan Engine: 2.0-liter Turbodiesel DOHC I4, 140 hp, 236 lb/ft Transmission: 6-speed automatic, front wheel drive EPA Ratings: 30-mpg city/40-mpg highway Base Price: $19,995 As Tested: $25,995 Performance: Comfort: Utility: WOW Factors: Whines: Bottom Line: The 2012 VW Passat TDI is an outstanding mid-size sedan […]
Posted inBehind The Wheel
Flash Drive: 2013 Kia Sportage
Model Tested: 2013 KIA SPORTAGE SX AWD Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder, 260 hp, 269 lb/ft Transmission: 6-speed automatic, All Wheel Drive, Locking Center Differential EPA Ratings: 20-mpg city/25-mpg highway Base Price: $28,400 As Tested: $32,400 Performance Comfort Utility WOW Factors Whines Sporty engine and our spirited driving held fuel economy to high teens Substantial […]