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Every Body Needs A Seat Belt
A Newspaper-Delivered Consumer Automotive Publication
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DECISIVE
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The Best Source for Cultural and Consumer automotive News
Summer 2011
Four Doors Are NOT A Bore! Sedans Combine Performance, Style & Luxury
urban picks: Best Four-Door Sedans
Tested: Hyundai Genesis 5.0 R Spec, Jaguar XJ Supersport, Mercedes-Benz CLS550
Also Inside:
> BMW 1 Series M Coupe > Fiat 500 Cabrio > Hyundai Accent > BMW 650i Convertible > Toyota Prius v
Get Your Subscription to Decisive Digital at www.decisivemagazine.com
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Fuelgettaboutit (noun): Pump amnesia onset by best-in-class highway fuel economy. 32 MPG hwy steadily estranging you from the gas station and all its trappings. A feeling of not having to refuel for up to 600 highway miles. 1
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(1)Based on GM compact crossover segment. (2)EPA-estimated.
The Chevrolet Equinox. Chevy Runs Deep
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DECISIVE
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The Best Source for Cultural and Consumer automotive News Volume 2 | Issue 2 | summer 2011
On the Cover: 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS550
features: 10
Red-Hot Hyundai With its new 5.0-liter V8, Hyundai joins the ranks of luxury sedans with high performance variants. Yes, we know we just said the words Hyundai and high performance in the same sentence, and soon you will be too.
12 Spacious Grace & Pace
If you truly want your performance with a heaping helping of style and luxury, Jaguar’s four-doors have had that act down for years. Its latest super sedan takes the routine to a whole new plane.
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New Style, Same File Mercedes reinvents the sedan that invented a new category. And with 443 ft-lbs of torque emanating from a twin-turbo V8 (in the base model, not the AMG version) everyone’s going to be hustling to catch up again.
Index to Advertisers Cover II: Chevrolet - www.Chevrolet.com
Editor-in-Chief: Lyndon Conrad Bell. Editorial Director: Joyce Gates Art Director: Fran Sherman Editors-at-Large: Mary M. Chapman, Christopher Jackson, Valerie Menard Senior Editors: Brian Armstead, Warren Brown Multimedia Manager: Thuan Ngo decisive media Headquarters: 8201 Corporate Drive, Suite 500 Landover, MD 20785 T. 301.850.2858 • F. 301.390.1825 President & CEO: Randi Payton Vice President: Karen Payton Production/Distribution: Joyce Gates Business Manager: Damon Redmond Sales Director: Karen Payton DECISIVE MEDIA DETROIT: Leonard Corbin EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT: Janice Leek
The Sun Is In
multimedia marketing: Rich Baron
Usually, when there’s a new model of a car we get the closed version first, then the convertible. This time, BMW showed the open version of its new flagship coupe first. Driving it, we completely understand why.
Content Specialist: David Payton
departments: 0419
Publisher: Randi Payton
04 First Looks 06 Urban Picks – Four Door Sedans 18 Long Term Intro – VW Jetta TDI 19 Long Term Intro – Volvo S60 T5
Page 3: BMW – www.BMWUSA.com Page 8: Buick – www.Buick.com
Decisive Auto magazine © 2011 is published four times annually as a newspaper-delivered publication and digital e-magazine by Decisive Multi-Media LLC Your complete resource for research and opinion on consumer products and services Visit us at www.Decisive Magazine.com; eMail us at Comments@DecisiveMagazine.com.
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the all-new Bmw 6 Series
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Upgrade yoUr excitement portfolio. The completely redesigned, 400hp, all-new BMW 6 Series has a long, sleek hood, flared wheel wells, and a dynamic roofline. Amenities like the 10.2-inch, free-standing, chrome-rimmed iDrive screen and a premium Bang & Olufsen audio system make sure you arrive in exhilarating style.
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Š2011 BMW of North America, LLC. The BMW name, model names and logo are registered trademarks.
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OnGadgets FirstLooks
first first first firstfir 2011 BMW 1 M Coupe
2012 Fiat 500 Cabrio
The 2011 BMW 1 M Coupe makes a killer first impression. Approach it from nearly any angle, the first thing screaming out is its aggressive stance.. Slide into the leather-covered driver’s seat. Grip the thick, supremely comfortable leather-covered magnesium steering wheel. Scan the special M instrument cluster and dash noting the Alcatara inserts and other materials cut down glare. Let your right hand fall onto what’s essentially a factory short-shifter. Take a moment to drink in this elegantly efficient office. All is well with the world. Yes, this is a BMW and all that implies. But with its 3.0-liter, directinjected in-line six churning out 335 horsepower and 332 ft-lb of torque with the aid of a twin-scroll turbocharger, you’re at the controls of a machine that delivers the thrust of an old-school American muscle car with modern European sophistication. Handling the impressive thrust is one of the sweetest-shifting gearboxes we’ve come across. Not only does the 1 M benefit from a lighter, dual-disc clutch, its synchros are carbon coated to reduce friction, and – are you listening, techies? – a dry-sump cooling system. The 1 M Coupe went on sale in May and sports an MSRP of $47,875, but don’t be surprised if the dealer demands an extra bounty.
The Fiat 500 Cabrio isn’t just cute; it knows it’s cute, combining the style of a classic Euro-commuter with modern fuel efficiency and safety, one of the quietest rides in its class, and a funky-cool canvas soft-top. Speaking of that top, does it make this a true convertible, or is it just an unusually large canvas sunroof? Whatever it is, it’s faithful to the original Fiat 500, first introduced in 1957. The two-stage top can be closed in approximately fifteen seconds in case of a downpour. Unlike many soft-tops, it can be raised or lowered while the car is in motion, at speeds up to 50 miles per hour. Top-down, the 500 Cabrio allows the sun to shine in without the side buffeting common to many convertibles, though visibility to the rear is somewhat compromised by the top stack and rear headrests. The 500 Cabrio’s smallish trunk will hold 5.4 cubic feet of cargo, and the rear seats fold down to expand that out to 23.4 cubic feet. If you’re expecting the go-kart handling of a MINI Cooper, you’ll want to downgrade those expectations just a bit. That’s not a bad thing though--while the 500 Cabrio’s plusher ride is entertaining and nimble, it’s also more comfortable than a MINI when the road is less than smooth. Pricing for the 2012 Fiat 500 Cabrio starts at $19,500.
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irst firstlooks 2012 Hyundai Accent
2012 Toyota Prius v
For 2012, the all-new redesigned Hyundai Accent delivers more style, performance, power, and better fuel economy. Taking its exterior design cues from Sonata’s wraparound headlamps and sharp creases, the new Accent features a more upscale appearance. Three versions are offered, a four-door GLS, as well as the five-door hatchback GS and a sportier SE model. The 2012 Accent also gets a new aluminum, 1.6-liter, 138-horsepower Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) engine, which is 40 pounds lighter than the iron block powerplant it replaces. Two transmissions are offered, a six-speed manual and a six-speed automatic. Hyundai expects up to 30 mpg in the city and 40 on the highway. While we won’t call Accent fast, you won’t sweat bullets on freeway entrance ramps either. Around town, the little Hyundai handles easily, shifts smoothly, and is convenient to park. In typical Hyundai fashion, tire roar is pretty evident on the highway, though wind noise is minimal. Remarkably spacious, Accent’s passenger compartment feels more like that of a compact than a subcompact car. There’s plenty of leg and headroom for both front and rear passengers and a best in class cargo space, with a capacity of 21.2 cubic feet. The handsome interior design would look right at home in a car costing thousands more than Hyundai is asking for the Accent. Pricing starts at $12,445 for the base GLS and goes up to $16,795 for the SE 5-door automatic.
Boasting 58 percent more cargo space than the Prius Liftback, along with rear seats that slide fore and aft—as well as fold flat and recline, the Prius v is ready to haul pretty much anything the modern family has to throw at it. Speaking of those rear seats, we did find it odd the center shoulder belt has to cross the right side outboard seatback, leaving us to wonder if this might create a comfort issue for anyone consigned to that spot. Still though, the Prius v will seat five securely, as well as carry considerably more cargo than its Liftback sibling. The Prius v goes, stops and steers in a manner engendering complete confidence in its abilities. Tire roar does have a tendency to resonate within that cavernous interior, and over long drives might become somewhat tiring. On the other hand, the ride is smooth and thanks to Toyota’s new Entune multimedia system, there are more than enough infotainment features to keep you well occupied over even the longest of drives. Called Entune, the new system works with your smartphone to provide access to apps such as Pandora, Bing, OpenTable and MovieTickets.com. Entune also employs voice recognition for the navigation and messaging functions, so you can both find your way and keep in touch purely by spoken word. Prius v goes on sale this fall, pricing has yet to be announced. For more on all of these cars, including photo galleries and video, visit DecisiveMagazine.com
summer 2011 | www.decisivemagazine.com | 5
UrbanPicks OnGadgets
urbanpicks The Best Four-Door Sedans For City Life Written by Christopher L. Jackson
D
riving in cities entails a different set of priorities than driving in general. In keeping with our
mission of being the best source of cultural and consumer news, when we test cars, we keep the urban environment in mind too.
“Most people drive their cars in and around cities, never reaching top speeds or worrying about how quickly their car runs the quarter-mile.” says our publisher, Randi Payton. He continues, “Urban drivers have unique needs, features like maneuvering in crowded traffic, stopping quickly, avoiding collisions, damage-free parking, and a tight turning
radius are all important characteristics of a good urban vehicle.” Each year, the automotive offerings of each manufacturer are evaluated according to those criteria by Decisive‘s automotive expert panel and we name our Urban Picks. On these pages you’ll find our choices of the best sedans for urban drivers.
Bentley Mulsanne Bentley`s unmistakably restrained opulence is a better fit for most urban environments than the over-the-top glam of a Maybach or RollsRoyce. The traditionally styled, yet striking Mulsanne is the brand`s new flagship, and it manages to be simultaneously imposing yet athletic, combining curb appeal with actual ability. Its 505-horsepower 6.8 liter V8 only gives up about forty horses to the much more expensive Maybach 57, and Bentley`s reputation for being a mailed fist in a velvet glove precedes it.
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Mercedes E-Class The Mercedes E-Class is at the upper end of the $40,000-$50,000 price bracket, and its MSRP is undercut by a number of worthy vehicles. Yet the E-Class man/ages to justify the $3000-$6000 price walk it represents over the competition, and not just because of the three-pointed star on the hood. The E-Class combines a bank-vault ride with a long list of luxury items normally found on cars costing ten to twenty thousand dollars more.
Ford Fiesta There are micro-compact sedans that cost less than the Fiesta, but none can match its style, refinement and equipment levels for the price. The Fiesta is diminutive, but it`s equipped like a full-size car with seven standard airbags and a surprisingly comfortable ride. Unlike many micros, the Fiesta also looks good at the curb, and doesn`t give the impression that you lowballed your purchase. Best-in-class fuel economy is the cherry on top.
Suzuki Kizashi The Kizashi`s Urban Pick status comes courtesy of a combination of head-turning style, confident performance and reasonable pricing. The Kizashi just barely edged out the slightly larger Hyundai Sonata and Ford Fusion because of its available all-wheel drive and fun-to-drive nature. The Kizashi does wonders with its responsive 185-horsepower four-cylinder engine while still returning respectable economy. On the road, it`s very similar to the Volkswagen Jetta (though arguably better-looking). Suzuki`s reputation for quality trumps VW`s, however. See all of Decisive’s Urban Picks at DecisiveMagazine.com.
summer 2011 | www.decisivemagazine.com | 7
The 220-horsepower, 6-speed, sport-injected Buick Regal Turbo. It’ll have you smiling inside and out. It’s your kind of luxury. Connect at buick.com.
©2011 General Motors. All rights reserved. Buick ® Buick emblem ® Regal ®
OnGadgets RoadTest
2012 Hyundai Genesis 5.0 R Spec Written by Randi Payton
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2009 model year, it was a hit, earning Decisive Magazine Urban Car of the Year. Since its launch, annual sales of the Genesis have increased by more than 33 percent, earning Hyundai a reserved spot in the luxury lot. hen the
Hyundai Genesis
was introduced for the
many awards, including the
We enjoyed our long-term evaluation of the 2009 Genesis and had lots of fun with it (including winning customization awards) until we finally let it go back. So when we got the invite to come test drive the 2012 models, it was like an opportunity to spend some time with an old friend. And as if to prove the longevity of the design, sitting inside the redesigned Genesis felt much like our old Genesis—but with a facelift. However, stepping on the gas, it was very evident this was not our old Genesis. The new 5.0-liter V8 fitted to Hyundai’s mid-size sedan produces 429 horsepower and 376 ft-lbs of torque at
5,000 rpm, and with it the Genesis is transformed into a ground bound rocket ship. The new eight-speed automatic transmission was developed by Hyundai for 2012 and the combination is absolutely amazing. The company’s most powerful engine ever, with it, the Genesis 5.0 R spec feels capable of wrinkling asphalt. The luxury sedan goes from 0 to 60 mph in right around five seconds, and remarkably, returns 16-mpg city and 25 on the highway. To keep up with the newfound power, bigger front brakes, 19-inch machinedfinish alloy wheels, optional Bridgestone Potenza S-04 Pole Position summer performance tires and sport-tuned
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transmission, suspension and steering calibrations were specified. Along with the outstanding output of the new engine, these enhancements improve steering feel and agility, catapulting the Genesis 5.0 R spec firmly into the ranks of the world’s most capable sport sedans. The exterior of the 2012 model is also enhanced for more upscale appeal. Hyundai added just enough to remain true to the success of the previous version by slightly modifying the front bumper, grille, headlights and a few other accents. Exhaust pipes are integrated into the back bumper. While the 5.0-liter V8 is the biggest news, the 3.8-liter V6 has been updated too. Output is up from 290 to 333 horsepower. Fuel efficiency is up too, with 19 city and 29 highway. The 385-horsepower 4.6 liter V8 offers one mile per gallon better fuel economy on the highway thanks to the new eight-speed transmission. Other added features include heated rear seats, a warning system that alerts you if you sway from your lane, and a new LCD display. And for those still skeptical about purchasing a car with a Hyundai logo, the Automotive Lease Guide rates the residual value of the Genesis at 58 percent, which tops its competitors for the first time. The Hyundai also beats many of its competitors in performance, fuel economy and features. Pricing for the 2012 Genesis 3.8 starts at $34,200 and $46,500 for the 5.0 R spec. See more photos and video at DecisiveMagazine.com.
summer 2011 | www.decisivemagazine.com | 11
OnGadgets RoadTest
2012 Jaguar XJ Supersport
Written by Lyndon Conrad Bell
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William Lyons, founder of Jaguar, coined the phrase “space, pace and grace” to define the characteristics of the sedans (saloons, for those of you well versed in English-English) his company built. With the emergence of the Jaguar XJ Supersport, his successors have taken that phrase and expanded upon it in a most magnificent fashion. ir
Jaguar’s top performing five-passenger four-door sedan features a 510-horsepower supercharged 5.0-liter V8 producing 461 ft-lbs of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission programmable for both comfort and sport operation. Jaguar quotes a 4.7-second 60—though we achieved four-second 60s quite consistently in our testing. On winding roads, the XJ Supersport takes to the corners with the same verve exhibited by its XK sibling. A flick of the paddle shifter behind the steering wheel commands the transmission to downshift after blipping the throttle to match revs and releasing a gloriously sonorous blat from the Jaguar’s cavernous tailpipes. Immaculately balanced, the XJ claws into corners, holds on tight and screams toward the exit, emitting a deep guttural baritone growl from the V8 you’ll have to hear to believe. Accelerating off the corner, the big cat scats (you had to know that one was coming)
toward the next apex as if being chased by a pack of snarling Dobermans. Thing is, this cat has more than enough scratch to turn and send those hounds howling home to their mothers. And while this is an experience one expects from a two-seat sportster whose rough ride and minimal comfort and convenience features are accepted as the price of its abilities, we’re talking about one of the world’s foremost luxury sedans here. The ride— while admittedly tauter than the standard Jaguar XJ’s—is altogether supple and comfortable. That the Supersport conveys both palatial comfort and outstanding dynamics is wholly reflective of Sir William’s dictum. Bottom line; in their quest for outsized pace, Jaguar’s engineers kept the grace and space firmly in place. Befitting its role as Jaguar’s flagship, the XJ Supersport’s roster of standard equipment is outstanding. Everything in the car is either wrapped in leather
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or accented with aluminum and the finest woods available. We’re not talking just plain old leather either; this is leather so smooth and soft it makes a baby’s butt feel like a football. A 30-gig hard disc drive and a media hub—supporting every imaginable audio source—feed a 1200-watt audio system. All seats are both heated and cooled and the front seats adjust twenty ways. Meanwhile, the automatic climate control system assuages any remaining temperate discomfort of four different people—individually and simultaneously. Commanding a place of honor in the center stack, an eight-inch touch screen monitor controls the audio, navigation, climate, and communications systems. And while we appreciate the convenience it confers, we do find it a tad slow to respond. Instead of reacting to a touch, it prefers your finger to linger on the screen before it responds. Given the alacrity with which the rest of the Supersport reacts to inputs, waiting for a touch to register can be a bit trying. Still, the English clubroom atmosphere of the XJ Supersport’s interior is absolutely intoxicating. In fact, were it not in a motorcar (a bit more EnglishEnglish there blokes) the XJ’s cabin would be an ideal place to enjoy a brandy, a cigar and some jovial conversation with a few mates. But saloon or no, introducing alcohol to a situation this potent—well—let’s just say some cocktails are better left to the imagination. Befitting the regality of its status, Jaguar does nothing overt to inform passersby of the amazing potential of this iteration of its flagship. Subtle Supersport badges on the trailing edge of the XJ’s wings (front fenders Yanks) and 20-inch wheels are the only visual cues announcing the limited production Jaguar’s potential prowess. Available in both standard and long wheelbase configurations, the Jaguar XJ Supersport is today’s ultimate iteration of Sir William’s philosophy. Available only by special order, Jaguar XJ Supersport pricing starts at $109,150. See more photos and video at DecisiveMagazine.com.
summer 2011 | www.decisivemagazine.com | 13
OnGadgets RoadTest
2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS550 Written by Mary M. Chapman
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2012 CLS550, Mercedes-Benz attempts to do something not easy to pull off: kick MBZ takes the four-door oh-so-close to the border of brashness, with its boldly sculptured scooping and side angles. The truncated rear-end and taillights could polarize a bit, but that’s yet to be seen. But this is still a Mercedes, make no mistake, and overall this is a package of refinement and class. ith the
up styling without offending the brand. Indeed,
Now—about the drive. On our test drive, winding around, into and through all manner of mountains, the CLS consistently responded in a collegially present, accommodating way. Thanks to its responsiveness, steering and direction were completely up to us; we decided, we pointed, the CLS went. (Good thing too, there’s scant room for error up in them thar hills). Nicely balanced, with no understeer to speak of, a little blip of the throttle propelled us nicely off the apex and out of curves. The ride emits a pleasing growl, one befitting the 4.6-liter, directinjection twin-turbo V-8’s 402 horses and 443 pound-feet of sledgehammer slamming torque. And yes, we put that to good use on straightaways. And while I wouldn’t call the cornering sports car agile—it’s more plush than anything else, thanks in large part to the AIRMATIC suspension’s adaptive damping system—it’s nimble enough. The rear-wheel drive CLS550 has a nicely calibrated seven-speed driver-
adaptive transmission with sport and economy shift modes and steering wheel shift paddles—plus power-assisted, speed-sensitive rack-and-pinion steering. Braking is about right; assertive, but not overly sensitive. Mileage is an estimated 18/26—not bad overall. MBZ plans an all-wheel drive version later this year. The CLS550’s interior—a little larger than its predecessor’s—bespeaks quality fit and finish. The best leather, lots of good metal, and board-feet of beautiful burl walnut. There’s comfortable seating for four, 14-way power-adjustable front seats, and a good-sized trunk. Standards include the fairly intuitive COMAND system w/GPS navigation, Bluetooth interface, 14-speaker harman/kardon LOGIC7 surround sound, HD digital radio, Zagat restaurant guide, SIRIUS satellite radio and real-time traffic, leather sport steering wheel, multi-color ambient lighting, 18-inch wheels and a headlamp cleaning system. There are a few optional packages offering such niceties as a rearview
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camera, heated and ventilated front seats, highbeam assist, electric trunk closer, blind spot assist, lane-keeping assist and manual and a mode for the transmission. A la carte options include PARKTRONIC parking assist, split-folding rear seats, wood/leather and heated steering wheel, and night view assist PLUS with pedestrian detection. Have to also give Mercedes proper respect for the bevy of safety and security features, including the ATTENTION ASSIST drowsiness monitor; steel-reinforced cabin with front and rear crumple zones; front dual stage, side, pelvic and knee airbags; front and rear side window airbags; NECK-PRO active head restraints; Electronic Stability Program; and roll-over sensor. Ultimately, yes, the automaker is taking a few risks stylingwise. But at day’s end, the CLS550 deserves to proudly sport the Mercedes-Benz tri-tipped star. Mercedes-Benz CLS550 pricing starts at $71,550. See more photos and video at DecisiveMagazine.com.
summer 2011 | www.decisivemagazine.com | 15
OnGadgets RoadTest
2012 BMW 650i Convertible Written by Lyndon Conrad Bell
S
treaking along the highway, the sleek
BMW 650i Convertible enjoys the status of a shark in a Everything is prey. When confronted with a slower vehicle, its progress is impeded only until an opening appears in the opposite lane. A firm prod of the throttle unleashes the full song of the twin-turbo V8, the big convertible squats almost imperceptibly, and the offending obstruction is effortlessly converted into a shrinking image in the BMW’s rear-view mirror. school of goldfish.
Similarly, when the road begins to wind back and forth, the Bavarian droptop’s 50/50 weight distribution, aluminum suspension componentry and electronic chassis management systems keep the Bimmer ripping along with alacrity—barely breaking stride to accomplish the required changes of direction. Whether you choose to shift the transmission yourself, or leave those duties to the BMW to manage on your behalf, you’ll find the optimal amount of torque always on hand to propel you giddily toward the next apex. Long story short, converting time into distance is something this BMW Convertible does very well. Shredding along a linear strip of pavement, the 650i’s smoothness and stability encourage you to strive for even greater velocity. Tearing into the
tightest corners, the luxurious GT car slices and dices in a manner reminiscent of its more diminutive Roadster sibling. Yes, it’s a relatively heavy car and yes, you’re somewhat aware of that, however the accuracy of the 650i’s steering, the determined effectiveness of its braking, and the way its body remains perfectly flat—regardless of the severity of the maneuver— is a positively wondrous experience. Of course, all your high dollar Germans bristle with computer assisted go faster gear these days. And, as is to be expected, high tech is this convertible’s stock in trade too; possessing as it does the state of the art in every aspect of its running gear and ancillary equipment. Active Steering, Driving Dynamics Control, High Precision Direct Injection, floating
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caliper brakes, Dynamic Stability Control, Dynamic Traction Control, Cornering Brake Control, Dynamic Brake Control, automatic Brake Drying and Brake Fade Compensation all blend seamlessly to enhance the 650’s performance abilities, while simultaneously upping the BMW’s safety quotient. When the 650i Convertible isn’t moving and you take a moment to look around the interior, your eye is delighted with exceptional craftsmanship by every measure. The overall interior design is very Ger-manically efficient and practical, while at the same time evocative of exceptional quality. The positioning of the controls telegraph the BMW’s potential as a driver’s car while simultaneously catering to the comfort, convenience and security of the very lucky passenger. That the 6 Series Convertible is at once a full-on driver’s car, as well as a luxuriously appointed and sophisticated mode of day-to-day transportation makes it even more desirable. The character of the engine seamlessly reinforces this assertion. Displacing 4.4-liters and force-fed oxygen by a pair of turbochargers nestled comfortably in between the two banks of cylinders; the engine is amazingly smooth and free winding. Around the city, at parade speeds, it’s quiet, dignified and respectful of the circumstance. Out on the road, with its throttles wide open, the sonorous V8’s baritone is as mellifluous and heart racing as its output is seemingly never ending. With the capability of generating 400 horsepower and 450 foot-pounds of torque on demand, the engine is easily supportive of whatever tone you wish to set. That the full 450 foot-pounds of torque is available at 1,750 rpm means searing acceleration is instantly available at your slightest whim. Even the smallest gaps in traffic become readily exploitable passing opportunities. Also, coupled as it is with your choice of an eight-speed sport automatic transmission, or a six-speed manual, the V8’s output is always effectively managed. BTW, that eight-speed automatic also allows you to choose your own gears and even burps out delightful throttle blips before downshifts to add to the visceral delight of controlling it yourself. In this society, true luxury resides in choice. The difference between the rich and the rest of us is their wealth provides them the capability of exercising their determination and control over as many of the aspects of their environment as possible. A perfectly honed driving instrument—when it comes to going—the 2012 BMW 650i Convertible is all about providing choice, capability, control, and determination. Lord, it must be good to be rich. Pricing starts at $91,375. See more photos and video at DecisiveMagazine.com.
summer 2011 | www.decisivemagazine.com | 17
LongTerm
2011 Volkswagen Jetta TDI
Written by Lyndon Conrad Bell
For years, American drivers were denied the clean diesel vehicles Europeans enjoyed because our fuel standards permitted too much sulfur in diesel fuel. Those standards changed a few years ago and today every German manufacturer offers diesel-engined cars in the United States. To see just how viable diesel is, we ordered a 2011 Volkswagen Jetta TDI to give us an opportunity to live for a year with an oilburning automobile. Perhaps here it’d be useful to explain how a diesel engine works. They make power through compression, rather than combustion the way a gasoline engine does. Air and diesel fuel are sprayed into the cylinder, just as with a gasoline engine—however, rather than using a spark plug to ignite the mixture, the upward piston stroke in a diesel engine compresses the air and fuel until it ignites and again forces the piston downward within its cylinder. Diesel fuel contains more energy than gasoline, so you can get more work out of a gallon of it than you can a gallon of gasoline. Thus, diesel engines generally return better fuel economy than gasoline engines. And our Jetta TDI, after two months of operation is bearing this out. Under the piloting of the graceful and ever so generous Mrs. L.I.R. Bell, our long term Jetta routinely goes 500 miles on one 14.5-gallon tank of fuel. Given she primarily commutes in stop and go street traffic every day, this means she’s getting about 34 miles per gallon—in the city. And indeed this is enough mileage to send her to a refueling station but once a month. That’s right, in the two months she’s been driving the
Jetta, she’s only refilled the fuel tank twice. Volkswagen quotes 30 mpg in the city and 42 on the highway, so out on the open road our Jetta has a theoretical range of over 600 miles. More than just a stripped down gas, uh, fuel miser, our Jetta is a generously equipped compact German sedan. It’s fitted with keyless entry and start, navigation, Bluetooth, satellite radio and a power-operated sunroof. We opted for the DSG automatic transmission to conduct the engine’s 140 horsepower and 236 ft-lbs of torque to the front wheels. True to its German heritage, the Jetta is smooth and comfortable at speed on the freeway. Its steering is highly accurate and its braking is confidently reassuring. The diesel engine does clatter a bit around town, but on the freeway you’d be hard pressed to tell it isn’t a gasoline-fired powerplant. The rear seat provides comfortable accommodations for passengers and the trunk is particularly capacious. That said, those of you who have followed the prolific shopping exploits of our test driver know she’s putting that trunk to good use. It’s going to be an interesting year.
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2011 Volvo S60 T5
Our Volvo S60 T5 just arrived for a year- long test drive. Although tradition maintains it should be treated as a safe four-door family sedan, the reality is the S60 also competes in the performance car arena. Delivered to us with less than 100 miles on the odometer, it packs a 2.5-liter, turbocharged five-cylinder engine capable of 250 horsepower and 266 pound feet of torque. Fresh off a complete redesign, this generation of the S60 is more refined than its predecessor, with increased features and performance enhancements to make it a true competitor among the other sporty sedans in its class. So far, after our first two hundred miles, the initial drives are impressive. We did however; suffer a slight setback during a time when the heat in the Washington, D.C. area reached a record 100 degrees in June. The air-conditioning was not flowing from the front vents and our S60 made its first trip to the dealer’s service department. Hopefully, this isn’t a sign of things to come. The redesigned S60 is a little larger and sportier than the previous generation of the car. Our T5 comes with front wheel drive, while the all-wheel drive T6, which has a turbocharged inline-six, boasts 300 horsepower. Both come standard with a six-speed automatic transmission. The exterior look of the new S60 exemplifies Scandinavian design, with sharp and curvy body lines, nicely matched by its brilliant gold exterior color. This is a Volvo that stands out among the crowd. Our S60 T5 features sport seats with eight-way power adjustments for the driver and four-way for the passenger. Safety features include five three-point safety belts with height adjustment, force limiters
on the front belts and pretensioners on all five. The Volvo is reinforced both for sporty driving and safety with unibody construction, high strength steel, and a passenger safety cage. While we don’t plan on testing its crash safety, it’s good to know the Volvo whiplash protection system provides an added safety feature for both the driver and front passenger. Our S60 T5 came equipped with a high performance multimedia audio system with a complimentary six-month subscription to Sirius Satellite radio. A 4x40 watt amplifier with eight speakers feeds, an in-dash single CD and DVD player with WMA, MP3, HD Radio, USB, and auxiliary audio inputs. Although S60 pricing starts at an MSRP of $30,975, our long-term S60 is retailed at $34,795. Our options include the Dynamic and Sports Appearance packages, which got us 18-inch wheels and all-season tires, speed sensitive steering with driver settings, and a metallic paint job. The sticker says we can count on 20 MPG in the city and 30 on the highway, depending on the way it’s driven. Stay tuned for more; we’re going to spend an entire year reporting on how this newest Volvo sedan performs.
summer 2011 | www.decisivemagazine.com | 19
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Written by Randi Payton
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