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The Best Source for Cultural and Consumer News Summer 2010

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Our Experts Share Tips for: > Sending Your Child to College > Keeping a Clear Complexion > Eating Healthy on a Student Budget

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¡Buen Viaje! We pick the top five Latino friendly destinations including Frida Kahlo’s Mexico City.

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yourchoices 06 08 The Guide To What’s Inside Volume 1, issue 3

summer 2010

feature set: on the cover

Publisher: Randi Payton

Editor-in-Chief: Lyndon Conrad Bell. Editorial Director: Joyce Gates editor: Valerie Menard

Back to Colegio

Art Director: Fran Sherman

We consult the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities for tips when planning for college.

consumer editor: Tiffany Tilley

contributing writers: Brian Armstead, Sylvia Melendez-Klinger, Scott-Vincent Borba Multimedia Managers: Thuan Ngo, Angel Giron

High Tech Tools

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Make sure your young scholar heads to class equipped with the latest technology.

President & CEO: Randi Payton Vice President: Karen Payton

Production/Distribution: Joyce Gates Business Manager: Damon Redmond Sales Director: Karen Payton executive assistant: Shirley Bell multimedia marketing: Rich Baron National Account Managers: Leonard Corbin Event Director: Rosiland Triché

Content Specialist: David Payton Decisive Latino magazine © 2010 is published four times annually as a newspaper-delivered publication and digital e-magazine by Decisive Media Your complete resource for research and opinion on consumer products and services Visit us at DecisiveMagazine.com, email us at: latinoeditor@decisivemag.com.

For licensing and reprints of Decisive/Decisive Auto content, contact Nick Iademarco at Wright’s Media, Niademarco@wrightsmedia.com, Toll Free 877-652-5295

School of Hard Knocks

Professor William Perez chronicles the efforts of undocumented students to gain a higher education.

the usuals:

inside every issue 02 from Decisive Media 04 beauty 05 health

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summer 2010 | www.decisivemagazine.com

this summer, be

Decisive! D

ecisiveness is defined as being “characterized by firmness and decision.” Being decisive means that you have the ability to decide. From the strength of a decision you then have the ability to act and we want to help you to purchase the best of your decisions. If leadership requires that you are able to make key decisions effectively, then decisiveness means being the leader of your own life. Decisiveness is both a skill you can build and an internal state you can summon when you need it. Decisive Latino magazine and its experts provide you with decision-making information on a broad array of consumer products and services from a cultural perspective. Decicivemagazine.com helps you process buying decisions with features that include video, audio, animated ads, and interactive editorials, where you can find everything you need and where you can be informed by the best experts at the time. We want you be part of the Decisive Latino family, being able to comment on articles and “Ask the Experts” for advice.

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All decisions are based on complete information and the best choice you can make is with the information you have. You can’t know for sure whether your business idea will fail or succeed, you can gather information to help you refine it and to understand the risks, but ultimately you need to make a decision. The next time you are deciding what to eat, time yourself and only give a minute to answer. Once you get used to making decisions rapidly you will start to realize that clear, firm decision making often results in better decisions then ones where you stew around with the same information over and over again. Please visit our new Web site and get your subscription to the digital version of our magazines, and please, share this with your friends and family. This summer, let Decisive Latino help you be more decisive. —Angel R. Giron Multimedia Manager

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beauty

collegiate complexion There is nothing worse on skin than being in college. Your body is still changing and your hormones are running rampant, causing breakouts, combination skin, redness, and irritation. Stress from new class loads, dating, late night studying (and partying, lets be honest), and just trying to fit in, can wreak havoc on your skin. Here is a three-step strategy for you that will get you and your skin back in class with straight A’s! by Scott-Vincent Borba 1) Ba-Bye Breakouts! The first step to prevent a breakout is to understand the causes of breakouts. There are several reasons as to why your skin breaks out— hormones, stress, bacteria and poor diet are the most common. Start an anti-blemish regimen from the inside out with good nutrition. INSIDE: For starters, drink at least 48 ounces of water a day and cut greasy or fried foods from your diet. Supplement your diet with vitamins A, C, E (vital antioxidants for cell regeneration) and zinc (or just use my Aqua-less Crystalline each day as a supplement). In your diet, be sure to get plenty of Omega-3’s and eat foods rich in protein, isoflavones (through soy), and anti-inflammatory foods (through olive oil). OUTSIDE: I recommend cleansing and moisturizing twice daily with a brand that is not overly rich or overly drying (like my BORBA Clarifying line) and supplementing your skin with the appropriate boosters. For example, if you have oily skin, try using a mattifying masque once a week, or if you have blackheads, use a deep exfoliant twice a week. The key with the outside approach is to balance your skin to achieve homeostasis so your skin is less inclined to breakout.

2) Camouflage the Culprits! Covering up a breakout is a true art. To begin, wash your face and gently exfoliate. After towel-drying, cool down the affected breakout area by applying an ice pack (or some ice cubes in a sandwich bag) for two– three minutes. This will reduce the size and redness of the affected area. Then moisturize your face with your daily moisturizer, taking caution not to irritate the affected area. Then apply non-comedogenic

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makeup—light green over the affected area (to hide any red/pink areas) followed by a foundation (all over), followed by a finishing powder (all over). By the time you’re done, the only person who should know that you broke out is yourself.

3) Eat Your Way to Flawless Skin! These simple snacks can be thrown in your backpack for a skin boost throughout the day or replace greasy late night binges. Day: Green veggies and other root vegetables, like radishes, are great fat-burning foods that help kick-start the body into losing weight. These appetite suppressants are free-radical “scavengers” and help flush out the system. Night: Try cooking-up a plate of my Skin-Full Nachos: Cut six wheat tortillas (rich in selenium) into eighths and place them on a baking sheet. Drizzle with a tablespoon of canola oil (rich in fatty acids) and bake for ten minutes at 350 degrees. When the chips start to get crisp, sprinkle on 1/3 cup shredded low-fat cheddar cheese (rich in vitamins A, D, and calcium), and six diced black olives (rich in monosaturated fat, and vitamin E), and remove from the oven when cheese has melted. For the topping mix1/2 tablespoon of flaxseed powder with one tablespoon of fat free sour cream (vitamins A, and D) and serve. This recipe is packed with vitamins and antioxidants your skin needs. It’ll be sure to help boost you into your new skin-healthy diet. The results will be incredible, just like you!dD

health

nutrition 101

healthy and trim college meal plans by Sylvia Melendez-Klinger

Going away to college opens up many freedoms. For a lot of people, it’s the first time they get to decide what they want to eat for every meal. Of course, along with any freedom comes more responsibility. With planning, you can eat well without spending a lot of money, while keeping an eye on your weight too. 1. Eating out, transfer food to a smaller plate, or order from the appetizer menu. 2. Save big money by sharing an entree and dessert. 3. Immediately ask for a “to-go” container when your food is delivered to your table and place half of your meal in it. This can be lunch or dinner the next day. 4. Ask for dressings on the side. Usually one tablespoon of dressing is enough.

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5. Watch the calories you drink, one can of beer has between 150 to 170 calories. 6. Choose beverages with low or no calories so you can enjoy a little piece of dessert or another small portion of the entrée. 7. Use a small plate as a tray in buffet lines so you grab fewer items. 8. Keep a few staples in your dorm such as instant brown rice (delicious and crunchy), whole grain pasta, or frozen fruits and veggies so you can cook quick healthy meals.dD

For a list of must have healthy meal and snack ideas provided by dietitian and nutrition consultant, Kathleen Searles, visit DecisiveMagazine.com.

summer 2010 | www.decisivemagazine.com

back to Colegio Ten tips for a successful collegiate experience.

by Valerie Menard

onsidering that a college education will double a person’s earning wage, higher education is a pretty safe investment. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, workers 18 and over with bachelor’s degrees earn an average of $51,206 a year, while those with a high school diploma earn $27,915. Still, the prospect of a college education, for many Latino families, remains elusive and daunting for those who do get accepted—many Latino students are the first generation in their families to go to college. To make the transition easier, there are steps to take to be better prepared. For years, the news regarding Latino student retention, from high school to college, was discouraging but this year, the Pew Hispanic Center offered some hope. According to the center, from 2007 to 2008 (the first year of the recession), the freshman enrollment of Hispanics at postsecondary institutions grew by 15 percent, greater than any other ethnic group and non-Hispanic whites.

students at hartnell college

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HSI, Hartnell College-Salinas, California

Latinos were also completing high school at record rates, reaching an all-time high in October 2008 of 70 percent. “This was up 2.5 percentage points over October 2007—a larger increase than for any other racial or ethnic group,” states the center’s website, www.pewhispaniccenter.com. With 1.6 million Latinos enrolled in higher education, and many more to join them in the fall, we consulted the leader in education advocacy for Latinos, the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU), to get tips for parents who may be enrolling their first college students, or who hope to send a student to college some day. Rene Gonzalez, executive director of student services at HACU, offers this advice.

Tips for parents:

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Be sure your child is enrolled in college curriculum courses in high school. Preparation for college is key, says Gonzalez, but it starts much earlier than many parents may suspect. Because most Latino students attend schools in lower income neighborhoods, they may not have access to advanced or college prep courses but Gonzalez encourages parents to work with high school counselors to see what can be done.

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Attend parent/ teacher meetings and conferences. Students whose parents take an interest in their education tend to perform better so Gonzalez advises parents to take advantage of parent/teacher conferences to help build communication with teachers who directly impact their child’s education.

Encourage your children to participate in extracurricular activities. Like a professional resume, the more well rounded a student’s educational experience appears the more appealing they will be to college admissions administrators. “Try to include activities besides sports, like debating or volunteering within the community,” advises Gonzalez.

Allow students the time to prepare. Parents may appreciate the money their child earns at a part time job but Gonzalez warns that college preparation is also time consuming and will be worth much more than minimum wage in the long run.

Don’t overlook community colleges.

Consider living on campus.

Talk to high school counselors about college and what options are available as well as financial aid. Counselors should know what schools tend to accept students who fit your child’s profile. They can also help parents complete the critical FAFSA form required to apply for financial aid. They can also notify parents when college recruiters visit the high school.

Consider a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). When considering a college or university, look at the demographics of its student population as well as what support services and organizations exist on campus that can be of help to a Latino student. HACU members are HSIs (campuses with a Latino student enrollment of at least 25 percent Latino). See a list of members at www.hacu.org Washington, D.C.and visit campuses with your children if possible.

Don’t pay for scholarship information. “No one should pay for scholarship information so don’t invest in scholar-

hsi, the University of Texas at San Antonio

ship search offers. That information is readily available online for free,” asserts Gonzalez. Visit websites for the Hispanic Scholarship Fund (www.hsf.net) and College Board (www.collegeboard.com) for starters.

Acceptance to any four-year college or university is a highly competitive and selective process. Not all who apply will be accepted but there is still a pathway to a four-year college starting at a two-year institution or community college. Community colleges help students acclimate to higher education, they’re more affordable, and located within driving distance allowing students to live at home and work while attending school.

Students who do leave home to attend college should consider living on campus as opposed to in an apartment. According to Gonzalez: “Living on campus helps students bond to the institution and a become a member of the college community.”

Consult Latino organizations for more advice. National Latino advocacy groups like HACU, the National Council of La Raza (www.nclr.org) and LULAC (www.lulac. org) have educational initiatives and/or local chapters that can offer assistance to Latino families.dD

students at the University of Texas at san antonio

summer 2010 | www.decisivemagazine.com

back-to-school high tech

Written by Brian Armstead

must haves When you step on the yard this fall, make sure you’re prepped with the latest useful tech for 2010. You’ll increase study productivity and have a blast documenting the best years of your life. Here’s the DECISIVE list of back to school tech tools: v And the Student Oscar goes to... College is full of YouTube moments. Capture them with the Flip “Slide HD” pocket camcorder. Flip calls the Slide the world’s first “shoot and show” camcorder,” thanks to the unique pivoting screen that allows playback on a flat surface. Four hours of built in storage ensures you’ll be the top video director on campus.

^ Versatile Voice Recorder Even distracted, you’ll always be “paying attention” with the Olympus DM-520 digital recorder. The pocket-sized unit provides more than a thousand hours of recording with 4GB of internal memory and state-of-theart capabilities such as file move, file copy, sound editing, and multi-format recording. It downloads podcasts automatically, and MicroSD card compatibility extends memory capacity from 512MB to 16GB

< Hit me back on the iPhone! This fourth generation marvel is thinner and more powerful than previous models, and features unique software as well as access to over 200,000 apps to make your study day more productive and your downtime more fun. The new iPhone also records video in HD and has two cameras: One on the front, which focuses on you, and one on the back, which focuses on everything else. “FaceTime” lets you switch back and forth between them at any time during a video call.

^ Show and Tell College Style Apple scores another major hit with the versatile iPad. Amaze your classmates with stunning resolution videos and photos. Connect wirelessly to do research via built in Wi-Fi or subscribe to a 3G package to stream audio and video effortlessly. This could well be the must have student tech item of the year!

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^ Hear no evil… When you want to get away from it all and listen to a lecture, music or videos on the above listed tech must-haves, plug in your Bose Quiet Comfort 15 Noise Cancelling headphones and block out the real world. With improved noise control circuitry, 35-hour battery life and over the ear comfort, nothing will distract you during your all-nighter.

school of hard knocks new book exposes the educational journey of undocumented students by Valerie Menard

Few would argue that a mind is a terrible thing to waste, yet many young Latino minds remain in limbo. According to estimates from the U.S. Census, Latinos eclipsed African Americans in 2006 as the number-one minority in the country. There’s no denying that the face of the nation continues to change, but the so-called “browning of America” has also been blamed for much of the negative rhetoric aimed at illegal immigrants. Perceptions are easily skewed by propaganda, but they’re a lot harder to stick to when confronted face-to-face with the truth. In his new book, We ARE Americans, William Perez tells the tale of illegal immigration through first-hand accounts of undocumented high school and college students. Their perseverance, achievement, and social consciousness, despite the negativity they face, may impress the reader. They certainly took the author by surprise. ‘When I began, I thought the book would be more somber, and although many students have struggled, I was surprised by how optimistic they remain and that despite their current status, they’re able to see a better future for themselves,” says Perez, assistant professor of education at Claremont Graduate University. “They are high-achieving despite a future that is uncertain.” The book begins with stories from high school students, many of whom have just learned that they are undocumented, protected from the truth by their parents. The value of an education is not lost on them, excelling despite having to relocate regularly or studying in the same room shared

by the entire family, or working after school to help support the family. These students suddenly realize that their dreams of advancing by acquiring a college education are on hold. Accepted to four-year institutions but lacking the legal status required to access the financial aid needed to move forward, they must endure a waiting game with the Immigration and Naturalization Service before earning the right to a college education. Julietta, for example, graduated from high school and then attended community college for three years. She eventually transferred to a university through an extended education program, Graduating with a degree in mathematics, but without legal documents, she could not gain employment so she enrolled in a master’s program. Still, hopeful that she will receive legal documents, she admits: “I’d rather be educated and undocumented than documented and uneducated.” For Perez, whose family also immigrated illegally to the United States from El Salvador when he was ten years old, the stories are too familiar. His family received amnesty in 1986 through immigration reform under the Reagan administration. Like these students, he set his sights on becoming thoroughly educated, but also, in a field that would have an impact on new arrivals. The stores for the book are gleaned from 102 interviews and 200 surveys conducted between 2006-2007. Perez hopes his book will ignite

interest in Congress and with President Obama, to pass immigration reform, beginning with the Dream Act, which provides a path to citizenship for undocumented students who complete a college degree or serve two years in the military. “I’m hoping that when people see this, they’ll see how the issue of illegal immigration is much more complicated than just an issue of legal or illegal. It’s about academics, community service, resources,” asserts Perez. “These students are extremely talented and ready to give back to this country with the knowledge they’ve fought so hard to attain. It’s a glimpse at the future in this country and how rich it could be if we pass the Dream Act and immigration reform.” For more information on the Dream Act go to www. dreamactivist.org, a site established by undocumented students to help promote passage of the legislation.dD

summer 2010 | www.decisivemagazine.com

Save The Date

Sound Board Theater • MotorCity Casino Hotel • Detroit, Michigan

Sunday – January 9, 2011

Join celebrities, executives, international media, government representatives, and the multicultural community to celebrate diversity in the automotive industry.

Award Categories: Company of the Year Executive of the Year Supplier of the Year

Dealer of the Year Urban Car, Truck & Green Vehicle Awards Lifetime Achievement/Pioneer Awards

For Sponsorship Information or Tickets: Email: rpayton@decisivemag.com Call: Decisive Media: 301-850-2858 • Call: Randi Payton: 301-390-0468 Visit: http://www.decisivemagazine.com/sites/all/urban-wheel-awards-2011/

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Every Body Needs A Seat Belt

The Best Source for Cultural and Consumer Automotive News

Summer 2010

First Look at Kia Sportage

Los Super Seven 2010 The top-selling vehicles to Latinos

Also Inside: Urban Picks Voted Best Cars for Urban Driving

we drive:

Jeep Grand Cherokee

Chevy Cruze

Ford Fiesta

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Not just aNy truck caN do what a sierra does. al igual que tú.

Por eso esta camioneta es especial. It’s not only about offering 315 hp with its 21 mpg on the highway,* it’s about having a truck engineered for the best performance. The 2010 GMC Sierra. Hace tu vida mejor. NIVEL PROFESIONAL.

The Best Source for Cultural and Consumer automotive News

Volume 1 | Issue 2 | summer 2010

Publisher: Randi Payton

On the Cover: Kia Sportage First Look

features:

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DECISIV E o n i t a L

Editor-in-Chief: Lyndon Conrad Bell. Editor: Valerie Menard Editorial Director: Joyce Gates Art Director: Fran Sherman Editor-at-Large: Christopher Jackson Multimedia Managers: Thuan Ngo, Angel Giron Decisive Media Headquarters: 8201 Corporate Drive, Suite 500 Landover, MD 20785 Tel: 301-850-2858 • Fax: 301-390-1825

Urban Picks By Christopher Jackson and Randi Payton Some cars make a statement, others just make sense. We choose the best cars for city driving.

President & CEO: Randi Payton Vice President: Karen Payton Production/Distribution: Joyce Gates Business Manager: Damon Redmond Sales Director: Karen Payton executive assistant: Shirley Bell multimedia marketing: Rich Baron

Los Super Seven 2010 By Christopher Jackson Latinos reveal their buying power, and priorities, with these seven top-selling vehicles.

National Account Manager: Leonard Corbin Event Director: Rosiland Triché Content Specialist: David Payton Decisive Auto Latino magazine © 2010 is published four times annually as a newspaper-delivered publication and digital e-magazine by Decisive Media Your complete resource for research and opinion on consumer products and services

departments: 04

Visit us at www.DecisiveMagazine.com, email us at: latinoeditor@decisviemag.com.

03 Editor’s Letter 04 First Looks

04 2

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letter from the editor

Summer Spending Spree Photograph By Duncan Hamerill

his summer, we’re greeted by good news, finally, from the auto industry. As of this writing, all three domestic brands reported double digit increases in sales compared to last year, while sales figures for some brands, like Subaru, were through the roof, with a 30 percent increase in sales to date. Cars continue to outsell light duty trucks (including sport utility vehicles and minivans), but just barely. According to figures published in the Wall Street Journal, more than 3.4 million cars had sold as of July of this year compared to more than 3.2 million light duty trucks. Energized, in part, by an influx of products that delight and inspire car buyers, the industry has responded to consumer demands with newfound flexibility, way to bounce back y’all. In this issue, therefore, we focus on two sets of vehicles, the ones best suited for city driving and the ones most appealing to you, our readers, based on your buying habits. In “Urban Picks,” (page 5), our panel of automotive experts, including Chris Jackson and Decisive Media founder Randi Payton, sort through the vehicles available today and select four vehicles they consider best suited for the urban lifestyle, from the Suzuki Kizashi to the Bentley Mulsanne. For a complete listing of all Urban Pick categories, comparing all cars and trucks in all vehicle classes, go to www. DecisiveMagazine.com. In “Los Super Seven 2010,” (page 8), we follow-up from the premiere version of this article published in 2006, when we looked at the top-selling vehicles to Latinos. At the time, trucks held the top spot with the Ford F-Series and Chevrolet Silverado in the number one and two positions, respectively. Among automobiles, Latino car buyers favored imports, according to 2005 figures from R.L. Polk & Co.

Five years later, the list has flipped. The trend toward fuel efficient vehicles is revealed in this list with the Honda Civic and Accord dominating the top spots and Ford and Chevy dropping to fourth and fifth place. Some names have dropped from the top seven, e.g. Dodge Ram, while new ones have emerged, e.g. Toyota Rav4. Read about what makes these much improved models so appealing to Latino car buyers. On the flip side of this issue, you’ll find our sister publication, Decisive Latino featuring a back to school theme. From clear skin to sending the first generation in your family to college, we offer culturally relevant tips and advice to ease the transition. As we head into the fall, remember to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15–October 15), which incorporates an extra special anniversary this year, the bicentennial of Mexican independence (September 16, 1810). We also anticipate continued good news from the auto industry as the final quarter comes to a close. From Mexico to Detroit, felicidades a todos. Valerie Menard Editor Decisive Auto Latino

Index to Advertisers Cover/page 1: GMC - www.gmc.com pgs. 6-7: Chevrolet - www.chevrolet.com

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firstlooks Jeep Grand Cherokee

Jeep reclaims bragging rights as the first premium Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) with the redesigned 2011 Grand Cherokee. Not only does it improve on off-road capability, it reflects Jeep’s new attitude toward packaging that no longer penalizes the entry-level buyer but rather, equips even the base Laredo with essentials. The all-new flexible fuel 3.6-liter Pentastar V6, with 290 horsepower, raises the fuel economy to 23 miles per gallon (mpg) on the highway. A V8 is also available. Standard safety features include electronic stability control and side curtain airbags, plus the Blind-spot /Rear crosspath warning system is now available. A sharper exterior compliments an interior that reflects a renewed attention to fit and finish with soft touch materials and genuine wood veneer accents. Creature comforts include keyless entry, a leather wrapped steering wheel, and dualzone climate control. Base price on the Laredo 2x2 is $30,995, $495 less than last year. —Valerie Menard

Kia Sportage

First introduced in 1996, the Kia Sportage compact SUV was one of the first in its segment and is the longest running brand in the Kia lineup. All new for 2011, the Sportage offers class leading fuel economy and more segment firsts. Powered by a 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine with Continuously Variable Valve Timing and 178 horsepower, the Sportage should earn 22 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. A turbocharged V6 will appear later next year. Available in three trim levels, the Sportage also comes with front-wheel or all-wheel-drive capability and a six-speed automatic transmission with Sportmatic clutchless shifting. At the recent launch in San Francisco, the Sportage demonstrated exceptional handling along California’s twists and turns. The visually appealing interior extends to base models, with plaid insert cloth seats. New available technology includes UVO powered by Microsoft, an advanced handsfree in-car communication and entertainment system (standard on EX models). Pricing for the Sportage starts at $18,990. —V.M.

Chevrolet Cruze

GM’s new lean and mean approach includes merging its global platforms for better efficiency. The 2011 Chevy Cruze, already available in over 60 countries, will come to the U.S. market later this year. With its all-new compact, Chevy declares its intention to take on Japanese imports that have dominated the segment for decades, touting the car’s design, fit and finish, and performance. The quiet interior and unique touches like upholstered accents on the dash and door panels are striking. Offered with a 1.8-liter four-cylinder on the base model, the first to launch will be the LT and LTZ models equipped with a 1.4-liter Ecotec turbo engine with 138 horsepower. Later this year, an Eco version, mated exclusively to a six-speed manual transmission, will launch. Powered by the 1.4-liter, it should earn 40 mpg on the highway. Pricing for the Cruze LS base model will start at $16,995. The Cruze LT pricing starts at $18.895. —V.M.

Hyundai Sonata Re-entering one of the most competitive automotive segments, the midsize 2011 Hyundai Sonata does so with style and fuel efficiency. On a regional launch in New Orleans, the Sonata turned heads, but the real story lies beneath its striking exterior. Chasing better fuel efficiency, all Sonatas will be powered by a four-cylinder engine, initially, a 2.4-liter gasoline directinjection engine with 198 horsepower.

decisive auto latino

Matched to the standard six-speed manual, it should achieve a city/ highway fuel economy of 23/34 mpg. With the available six-speed automatic, fuel economy improves by one mpg on the highway, making it the best in its class. A turbocharged 2.0-liter and a hybrid version of the Sonata will come out next year. Stiffer and lighter than its predecessor, the Sonata can boast about a world-class power-to-weight ratio that adds handling confidence. Standard safety features and creature comforts remain generous but the Sonata will also offer the lowest priced midsize sedan with navigation. Pricing on the Sonata starts at $19,915. —V.M.

urbanpicks The Best Four-Doors for Urban Driving Written by Randi Payton & Christopher L. Jackson

n oft-overlooked factor when most reviewers are rating automobiles is the urban environment. In their zeal for top speeds,

0-60 times and skidpad results, many

reviewers overlook the basic aspects of driving a car in the city––which is where most people actually drive.

DECISIVE’s auto editors have rated the best automobiles in the four-door sedan category for the urban environment. The evaluation process we use to determine Urban Picks gets you closer to the actual experiences of an individual living with the car day in and day out. The average speed limit in cities is generally around 35 mph, thus acceleration from 0 to 40 is more relevant to urban driving than 0 to 60 mph. Parking in tight spaces and making u-turns are also important, so we look at the turning radius. In sum, we look for the optimum combination of maneuverability, styling, safety, fuel economy, reliability, commodious-ness, and creature comforts, The price of a vehicle compared with the features

and options offered determine the best value. To make it easier to follow, we’ve taken the automotive categories and broken them down by type of vehicle and the price of vehicle within each type. We then put the list to our hardy band of road testers and asked them to outline their picks for the best cars in each category. All of the data we consider has been aggregated into a spreadsheet and posted to the web to better help you make informed purchasing decisions. For our complete listing comparing all cars and trucks in all vehicle classes, go to www.DecisiveMagazine.com. The 2010 Urban Picks in the four-door sedan category are:

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 headturning 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.

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 manages 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.

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 Rolls-Royce. 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.

summer 2010 | www.decisivemagazine.com

Chevrolet Equinox 2010. La crossover de 5 pasajeros construida de afuera hacia dentro, ya que ofrece una eficiencia de 32 mpg en carretera y hasta 600 millas en carretera en un solo tanque de gasolina1, mejor que Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4 y Ford Escape Hybrid2. Equinox va más allá en cuanto a confort, debido a que da el mayor espacio para piernas en su clase. Nombrada “Mejor Compra” por Consumers Digest. Todos merecen una crossover que los pueda llevar tan lejos como quieran llegar. LS desde $23,360.3 Chevy.com

Se muestra LTZ del 2010, $31,1103 1 Estimado EPA para modelos FWD. 2 Est. EPA de MPG en carretera (2WD): CR-V, 28; RAV4, 28; Escape Híbrida, 31. 3 MSRP. Impuestos, título, licencia, costos del concesionario y equipo opcional son adicionales. Equinox y Chevrolet son marcas registradas de General Motors. ©2010 General Motors. ¡Abróchate! ¡Tu cinturón es tu vida! El sello de “Mejor Compra” es una marca registrada de Consumers Digest Communications, LLC, usado bajo licencia.

Dise単ada para que disfrutes de esos largos caminos

Los Super Seven 2010 Latinos car buyers vote for their favorite vehicles with their dollars

By Christopher Jackson

ccolades are nice but ultimately, sales reveal the real winners in the auto industry. With a buying power of $951 billion, Latinos comprise a market that commands attention. We first looked at the top-selling vehicles to Latinos in 2006 based on 2005 new vehicle registration figures from R.L. Polk & Co. This year, we’ve gathered registration figures for the year so far from R.L. Polk & Co. to look at what vehicles Latino car buyers prefer. Judging from the list, fuel efficiency has taken precedence over other features, while affordability, and reliability still matter.

Los Super Seven 2009 1.TOYOTA - COROLLA 2. HONDA - CIVIC 3. TOYOTA - CAMRY 4. HONDA - ACCORD 5. FORD - F SERIES 6. NISSAN - ALTIMA 7. CHEVROLET - SILVERADO Source: R.L. Polk & Co.

1. HONDA CIVIC The Civic has supplanted perennial rival the Toyota Corolla in this year’s Latino sales race, and it’s easy to see why. While the Corolla has been left more or less the same for the past few years, suffering from an aging design and cost-cutting de-contenting measures, Honda has kept the Civic cutting-edge and modern. A futuristic split-level instrument panel and laidback driving position combine with extremely refined interior appointments and a ride that would make a full-size car proud. Compact exterior dimensions belie a spacious interior that’s honda civic si sedan large enough to carry a small family, and the subcompact Civic is good on gas. Available as a two- or four-door sedan, the Civic lineup also includes a hybrid and the sporty, 197-horsepower Si model. Considering the massive enthusiast base that Honda has these days, it’s no surprise that the Civic is also extremely tuner-friendly and happy to serve as a blank slate for those who want to personalize their rides. A starting price under $16,000 puts the Civic’s competent performance within easy reach of first-time buyers.

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2. HONDA ACCORD Honda’s Accord and Toyota’s Camry have topped most best-seller lists for so long that it’s almost impossible to talk about one without comparing it to the other. The stats are similar, their performance is similar, both cars feature legendary reliability and even the styling of these two unrelated cars isn’t that different. The distinctions make all the difference to buyers however. The Accord provides the light-touch, sporty steering feel and handling that Honda is known for, and highwaisted styling with a strong European influence. The Accord’s honda accord ex-l coupe standard 2.4 liter four-cylinder engine puts out slightly more power than the Camry’s 2.5 while providing similar fuel economy, and the Accord has a similar edge when equipped with the optional 271-horse 3.5 liter V6. The Accord is also distinguished from the Camry by the availability of a sexy two-door model that transforms the family hauler into a head-turning personal luxury coupe. Accord pricing starts at $21,055 for the sedan and $22,500 for the coupe.

3. TOYOTA CAMRY The Camry has slipped slightly in the rankings, giving up a slot to the Honda Accord for 2010. Whether this is a result of Toyota’s much-publicized sudden-acceleration issues is a matter for some debate; the telling fact is that the Camry’s reliability and outstanding performance have kept it on the best-seller list among Latinos. The Camry is a no-brainer for any buyer looking for a family-hauling sedan; Toyota has refined the vehicle’s user-friendliness to a science, and the Camry is designed to take a licking and keep on ticking. Its four- and six-cylinder engines offer a slight efficiency advantage over the Honda Accord while toyota camry le offering seamless performance. A hybrid-electric model is available as well, boosting fuel economy to subcompact car levels. The Camry is designed for buyers who know little to nothing about the mechanics of vehicles, and goes about the business of ferrying everyone from Point A to Point B without drama. The Camry offers a starting price under $20,000, and the hybrid model undercuts competing hybrids from Ford and Nissan, at $26,400.

4. FORD F-SERIES The sheer versatility and workhorse reliability of Ford’s F-Series pickups have kept the model range at the top of bestseller lists for several decades. Where there are people who need work done, you’ll find F-Series pickups. Ford has dramatically improved the line in recent years, simultaneously toughening up the F-150 while making it a more user-friendly vehicle. The F-Series is bigger and bolder than ever, with powerful chrome grilles up front and a tall, cargo-capable stance. A choice of 248- and 310-horsepower V8 engines is offered in the light-duty F-150, while the work-truck Super Duty series gets a choice of ford f-150 raptor unstoppable big-block V8 or diesel power. The F-150’s seemingly endless range of configurations and optional equipment enables the buyer to customize a pickup precisely to his or her standards, from bare-bones work trucks to the high-performance off-road SVT F-150 Raptor. The Super Duty trucks carry standard equipment fine-tuned to the demands of heavy-duty truck buyers and are ultra-capable right out of the box. The monster F-450 Super Duty will tow over 16,000 pounds and haul almost 5000 pounds straight off of the showroom floor. Pricing for the F-150 starts at $21,820.

summer 2010 | www.decisivemagazine.com

5. NISSAN ALTIMA Best-seller lists are typically populated exclusively by Honda, Toyota, Ford and Chevrolet, so the Nissan Altima’s presence as a top seller among Latinos is a testament to this vehicle’s breakout success. Rather than challenging the kings of the family-sedan hill (the Camry and Accord) directly, the Altima took a more emotional route, and has made its mark with flashy styling and entertaining performance. The Altima’s upscale looks are polarizing to some, but its show-car details and unique styling have helped to make it a hit. Nissan Altima Sedan The standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine provides decent performance and 31-mpg freeway fuel economy, while the optional 3.5 liter V6 is related to the powerplant in Nissan’s amazing 370Z sports coupe and turns the Altima into a bona fide sports sedan. On the road, it’s much more rewarding for driving enthusiasts than the Accord or Camry. The Altima Coupe features sleek lines and a fastback body style with interior appointments that belie its affordable $22,900 starting price, and is highly recommended for young buyers who hope to make an impression at the curb.

6. CHEVROLET SILVERADO Chevy trucks have always been popular with Latino buyers, and it’s easy to see why. Chevrolet’s Silverado makes its mark in the truck market by being userfriendly. It’s a tough truck underneath, but soft-touch surfaces inside and a sweeping console-style instrument panel that could have been lifted from an Impala make the Silverado an easy transition for first-time truck buyers. This pickup even provides a comfortable and quiet ride, something that full-size trucks aren’t known for. Unlike Ford and Nissan, the Silverado is Silverado 1500 Hybrid available with a powerful but fuel-saving V6 engine in its base model. Other engine options include a powerful 403-horse 6.2-liter V8, a diesel with 660 foot-pounds of torque in heavy-duty models and the Silverado Hybrid, which is the only full-size hybrid-electric pickup truck currently on the market. The Silverado Hybrid doesn’t sacrifice ability for efficiency either, and will tow and haul almost as much as the conventional models. Properly equipped, even the light-duty Silverado will tow over 10,000 pounds. Pricing for the Silverado starts at Silverado: $20,850.

7. TOYOTA RAV4 It would appear that the hearts of Latino buyers have turned from the Toyota Corolla to the RAV4 crossover this year. The versatile RAV4 is a newcomer to the list, and the only sport-utility vehicle to be a best seller in this market. Toyota has made the RAV4 an urban-friendly vehicle, with a smooth, carlike ride and a comfortably high seating position. A large, 70 cubicfoot cargo area is accessed by a large side-opening rear door that’s easier for drivers of a short stature to handle than a traditional up-swinging tailgate. All-wheel toyota rav4 drive is still available, but it’s designed mainly for bad-weather stability and confidence rather than off-roading. Traction control and stability control are standard on all RAV4 models. A hard working 2.5-liter four-cylinder provides power in base models, while the well-equipped RAV4 Limited gets a 269-horsepower 3.5 liter V6. Interior appointments are luxurious as well; buyers of Toyota’s compact crossover can enjoy an available navigation system, backup camera and automatic climate control. The family-friendly RAV4 starts at $21,675.

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