Model Tested: 2018 VW Golf R Engine:2.0-liter turbocharged I-4, 292 horsepower, 280 lb-ft torque Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, all-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 22-mpg city, 29-mpg highway, 25-mpg combined Base Price: $40,885 As Tested: $41,735 Performance: Great turbocharged engine Good acceleration in Normal mode Aggressive acceleration in Sport, Race, or Custom modes Comfort and Eco modes […]
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
2019 Subaru Ascent
Model Tested: 2019 Subaru Ascent Premium Engine:2.4-liter turbocharged flat-4, 260 horsepower, 277 lb-ft torque Transmission: CVT automatic transmission, all-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 21-mpg city, 27-mpg highway, 23-mpg combined Base Price: $34,195 As Tested: $36,630 Performance: Legendary Subaru all weather performance Strong fuel economy for its size Our best was 27.7-mpg highway Reasonable acceleration 5,000 pound towing […]
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2018 Fiat 500L Trekking
Model Tested: 2018 Fiat 500L Trekking Engine:1.4-liter turbocharged I-4, 160 horsepower, 184 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed automatic transmission, front-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 22-mpg city, 30-mpg highway, 25-mpg combine Base Price: $23,325 As Tested: $25,710 Performance: Noticeable turbo lag Leisurely acceleration A lot of weight and bulk for 160-hp Decent highway ride Good fuel economy—our best was […]
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2018 Subaru BRZ tS
Model Tested: 2018 Subaru BRZ tS Engine:2.0-liter flat-4, 205 horsepower, 156 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed manual transmission, rear-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 20-mpg city, 27-mpg highway, 23-mpg combined Base Price: $33,495 As Tested: $34,855 Performance: Easy revving engine, but could use more hp Horsepower peaks at 7,000 rpm Judicious transmission use needed to maximize power Smooth clutch […]
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2018 Honda Clarity — Plug-In Hybrid That’s Honda’s Largest Sedan
Model Tested: 2018 Honda Clarity plug-in Hybrid Engine: 1,498cc, 103 horsepower, Atkinson-cycle 4-cylinder, plus 181-horsepower electric motor Transmission: Electric continuously variable transmission EPA Ratings: 110 combined city/highway — electric; 42 combined city/highway — gas Base Price: $36,600 As Tested: $37,490 Overview: The original Honda Clarity was a fuel-cell-only vehicle limited to hand-picked lessees in California. […]
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2018 Hyundai Ioniq — Plug-In Hybrid That’s Cheap to Buy, Cheap to Drive
Model Tested: 2018 Hyundai Ioniq Engine: 1.6-liter, 104-horsepower, gas direct injection Atkinson-cycle 4-cylinder, coupled with a 45-horsepower (44.5 KW) electric motor Transmission: 6-speed eco-shift dual-clutch automatic EPA Ratings: 119 combined city/highway — electric; 52 combined city/highway — gas Base Price: $24,950 As Tested: $25,960 Overview: When most buyers think hybrid, the Toyota Prius is usually […]
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2018 Infiniti QX80 — Full-Size AWD Luxury in a Real SUV
Model Tested: 2018 Infiniti QX80 4WD Engine: 5.6-liter V8 • Horsepower: 400 • Torque: 413 pound-feet Transmission: 7-speed automatic with adaptive shift control and manual mode EPA Ratings: 13/city, 19/highway, 15/combined Base Price: $67,850 As Tested: $84,660 Overview: The Infiniti QX80 is the real deal — a luxurious, full-size, rear-wheel-drive, body-on-frame SUV with available all-wheel […]
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2018 Kia Soul — Turbo-Powering The Soul!
Model Tested: Kia Soul! Engine: 1.6-liter turbo gas direct injection 4-cylinder Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission EPA Ratings: Unrated at time of testing Base Price: $22,650 As Tested: $23,620 Overview: The Kia Soul! (“Exclaim”) is a purely fun compact hatchback. Last redesigned for 2014, it offers good handling and an efficient cabin. The Soul also […]
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2018 Toyota Tundra — Legendary Reliability the Key
Model Tested: Toyota Tundra Limited CrewMax 4×4 Engine: 5.7-liter, DOHC 32-valve iForce V-8 Transmission: 6-speed sequential-shift automatic EPA Ratings: 13/city, 17/highway, 15/combined Base Price: $44,195 As Tested: $51,516 Overview: The main change in the 2018 Toyota Tundra from last year’s model is its new grille and headlamps. It also comes standard with more safety features […]