Flash Drive 2016 Cadillac CTS Model Tested: 2016 Cadillac CTS AWD 3.6L Premium Collection Engine: 3.6-liter V-6 gas, 335 horsepower, 285 lb-ft torque Transmission: 8-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 19/City—28/Highway—22/Combined Base Price: $64,685 As Tested: $66,425 Performance: Very strong, powerful engine even though it’s not the optional 640-hp V-8 Impressive acceleration Smooth paddle shift […]
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
2016 Lexus RX — Refined Yet Edgy
Models Tested: 2016 Lexus RX 350 and RX 450h Crossover SUV Engines: 3.5-Liter V-6 and Hybrid Synergy Drive Transmission: 8-speed automatic EPA Ratings: RX 350 FWD – 20/28/23; AWD – 19/26/22 RX 450h FWD – 30/31/30; AWD – 30/28/30 Base Price: Unavailable As Tested: Unavailable Overview: Redesigned for 2016, the fourth-generation Lexus RX crossover adopts […]
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2016 KIA Optima SX — Game-Changer Ups the Game, Again
Model Tested: 2016 Kia Optima SX LTD Engine: 2-liter turbo gas direct injection 4-cylinder Transmission: 6-speed automatic with active eco function EPA Ratings: 22/city, 32/highway, 25/combined Base Price: $35,790 As Tested: $36,615 Overview: The Optima — Kia’s game-changer — is all-new for 2016. It’s been upgraded by fine-tuning every aspect of this much-improved sedan. Styling […]
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2016 Mazda CX-3 — Fun and Practical
Model Tested: 2016 Mazda CX-3 Touring All-Wheel Drive Engine: Skyactiv-G 2-liter 4-cylinder Transmission: Skyactiv-Drive 6-speed, sport mode automatic EPA Ratings: 27/city, 32/highway, 29/combined Base Price: $23,210 As Tested: $26,050 Overview: The Mazda CX-3 is an all-new SUV-like subcompact crossover. Despite its basic crossover-type profile, the CX-3 offers racier looks than some sports cars, and is […]
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Flash Drive 2016 Mazda Miata
Model Tested: 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata Club Engine: 2.0-liter I-4 gas, 155 horsepower, 148 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed manual transmission, rear-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 27/City—34/Highway—30/Combined Base Price: $28,600 As Tested: $32,820 Performance: Club model has extra performance enhancements Limited slip differential 17-inch BBS forged alloy wheels Brembo brakes Bilstein shocks Shock tower brace Front air dam […]
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Flash Drive 2016 Acura MDX
Model Tested: 2016 Acura MDX AWD Engine: 3.5-liter V-6 gas, 290 horsepower, 267 lb-ft torque Transmission: 9-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 19/City—26/Highway—22/Combined Base Price: $57,080 As Tested: $58,000 Performance: Very smooth, powerful V-6 engine 9-speed automatic: a gear for every occasion Paddle shifters Unique buttons on console for transmission engagement Push for Park, Neutral, […]
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Flash Drive 2016 Honda HR-V
Model Tested: 2016 Honda HR-V 5-Door AWD EX-L Engine: 1.8-liter four-cylinder gas, 141 horsepower, 127 lb-ft torque Transmission: CVT automatic transmission, Real Time all-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 27/City—32/Highway—29/Combined Base Price: $25,840 As Tested: $26,720 Performance: Nimble off-road capabilities Full time AWD, but no locking features Paddle shifters Econ mode button for transmission/engine Good acceleration Smooth highway ride […]
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Flash Drive 2016 Scion iA
Model Tested: 2016 Scion iA 4-Door Sedan Engine: 1.5-liter four-cylinder gas, 106 horsepower, 103 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed manual transmission, front-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 31/City—41/Highway—35/Combined Base Price: $15,700 As Tested: $16,470 Performance: Acceptable acceleration if manual trans is used aggressively Very good fuel economy, our best was 35.7 mpg Easy to park and maneuver around town […]
Posted inBehind The Wheel
Flash Drive 2016 Scion FR-S
Model Tested: 2016 Scion FR-S 2-door coupe Engine: 2.0-literflat four-cylinder gas, 200 horsepower, 151 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed manual transmission, rear-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 22/City—30/Highway—25/Combined Base Price: $25,305 As Tested: $28,544 Performance: Great driving fun Tight, concise handling Responsive Agile Smooth 6-speed and clutch Good acceleration, but nothing spectacular Sport mode button Excellent brakes We averaged […]