2022 BMW 240i xDrive Performance

Entry-level sports coupe's performance a throwback ... If you wait long enough history often repeats itself, sometimes even for the better. Example: BMW’s new 2 Series sport coupe. In ancient times, when Johnson, Nixon, Ford, and Carter were our presidents, BMW was famous for its 2002 sport sedans. Cute (but boxy) sedans that could rip... Continue Reading →

August 31, 2022 0

2023 Honda HR-V AWD EX-L

Larger platform, refined styling make HR-V a better family car choice ... Surprises can be pleasing or concerning, something to celebrate or something to require pulling the bedspread up over your noggin. Honda’s new 2023 HR-V, its small SUV/crossover, is full of the former, yet seeing a starting price of $24,895 I had concerns. I... Continue Reading →

August 17, 2022 0

2022 Volkswagen Tiguan SEL R-Line

VW's handsome compact crossover an efficient high-value drive ... Volkswagen was once the automotive love child of my Boomer generation, but time changes things and VW has become one of the back markers in the U.S. auto market, although not worldwide. Lately it has turned much of its attention to electric vehicles, the ID.4 crossover/SUV... Continue Reading →

August 10, 2022 2

2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge Twin Ultimate

Nimble, powerful XC40 Recharge a bit shy on range ... Electric power is coming, and quickly, to some car makes, Volvo being a prime example. Its compact SUV, the XC40, debuted just a couple years back, but now is available with full electric power from twin electric motors, one front, one rear. This version is... Continue Reading →

August 3, 2022 0

2022 Toyota GR86 Premium

Sporty looks, handling and a price sure to entice ... Hyundai’s Veloster N last week tops the A-list for sporty, affordable wanna-be racers because it has oodles of muscle and attitude. This week’s Toyota GR86 Premium is a bit easier on the eyes, but easily wedges into this segment at an A-. Here’s my reasoning.... Continue Reading →

June 22, 2022 0

2022 Hyundai Veloster N

N versions mean economical fast fun and high fashion too ... Folks who bemoan the lack of low-cost cars, especially models that are fun to drive and exciting to look at need to be moaning less. This week’s hot wheels came in the form a Hyundai Veloster N swathed in Performance Blue paint and... Continue Reading →

June 15, 2022 1

2021 Ford Escape Titanium PHEV FWD

Plug-in hybrid saves oodles of gas, I spent less than $5 in a week ... If Ford’s plug-in hybrid Escape was any more middle of the road it would have a white stripe painted down its centerline. Escape is a fine family of four crossover with sufficient power, easy handling and good passenger and cargo... Continue Reading →

June 8, 2022 0

2022 BMW M3 Competition xDrive

When BMW says Competition, it means it, and then some ... Where to begin? Once, maybe twice a year, a car arrives for testing that properly belongs on a racetrack as normal city and highway driving will not suffice, like putting pro athletes in a Juniors tournament with one arm tied behind their backs. That... Continue Reading →

June 1, 2022 0

2022 BMW M440i xDrive Gran Coupe

Lively M440i noses ahead of luxury coupe competition ... Back in the day (old dudes expression) BMW’s 2002 coupe wasn’t so grand, it was just light and lively and sold like schnitzel in Munich. Now the German brand’s M440i xDrive is a Gran Coupe that is less light, but awfully lively with 382 horsepower compared... Continue Reading →

May 11, 2022 2

2022 Volvo XC60 B6 AWD R-Design

XC60 touts style inside and out, awesome ride ... Rare are the crossovers whose styling stands out enough to catch your eye on the highway or in daily stop-and-go traffic. Yet Volvo’s collection of XC models will do just that. I’m no expert on style, but (with apologies to former Supreme Court justice Potter Stewart),... Continue Reading →