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ON-THE-MOVE TALLAHASSEE DEMOCRAT » MONDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2012
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CC remains a distinctive Volkswagen By Ann M. Job For the Associated Press
Volkswagen’s upscale CC compact sedan is nicely put together with a coupe silhouette, pretty lines, a taut, refined ride, well-crafted interior and for 2013, seats for five. In response to dealer and
customer feedback, VW removed the two rear bucket seats, with console between, and replaced them with a padded and sculpted bench seat that has a resting spot and seat belt for a middle passenger. It’s the first time since the CC debuted in the 2009 model year that the car has the tradi-
All People Are Approved With A Job And Money Down
tional five-seat configuration of other sedans. Further changes for 2013 include restyled front and rear with standard bi-Xenon high-intensity discharge headlamps that swivel up to 15 degrees as the car goes through corners. The 2013 CC also gets lightemitting diodes for its taillamps CHEVROLET • BUICK • GMC
SOLD
Blue, 2 door, RWD, Convertible, 6-Speed Manual, 1.8L I4 16V MPFI DOHC, Stock# 5311312.
Chevrolet Buick of Quincy
TD-0000218814
Chevrolet Buick of Quincy
Chevrolet Buick of Quincy
$8,484
1-888-810-1201
Chevrolet Buick of Quincy
‘08 NISSAN Sentra
‘05 FORD Explorer Sport Trac
Daytona Blue Metallic, 4 door, 4WD, SUV, 4-Speed Automatic, 5.3L V8 16V MPFI OHV Flexible Fuel, Stock# 5129408.
Super Black, 4 door, FWD, Sedan, Automatic CVT, 2.0L I4 16V MPFI DOHC, Stock# 3764134.
Gray, 4 door, RWD, Crew Cab Pickup, 5-Speed Automatic, 4.0L V6 12V MPFI SOHC Flexible Fuel, Stock# 5A71640.
$8,984
1-888-810-1201
Carbon Gray Metallic, 4 door, FWD, Hatchback, Automatic, 1.8L I4 16V MPFI DOHC, Stock# 5470272.
Rave Red Pearl, 2 door, FWD, Coupe, 5-Speed Manual, 2.4L I4 16V MPFI SOHC, Stock# 5037891.
Chevrolet Buick of Quincy
2039 W JEFFERSON ST, QUINCY 850-875-4200
‘06 CHEVROLET Suburban
‘09 MITSUBISHI Eclipse
$10,884
See CC » 7D
QUINCYCHEVROLETBUICK.COM
‘09 PONTIAC Vibe
1-888-810-1201
whichever comes first. This Carefree Maintenance Program is on all new VWs. CC pricing rises slightly from the 2012 model year. Starting manufacturer’s suggested retail price, including destination charge, for a base 2013 CC
SALES: MON-FRI 9AM-8PM; SAT 9AM-6:30PM; SUN CLOSED SERVICE: MON-FRI 7:30AM-8PM; SAT 7:30-12PM; SUN CLOSED
SE HABLA ESPA ESPAÑ ÑOL ‘03 MAZDA Other
and license plate illumination. Interior upgrades include new head restraints that can adjust fore and aft and automatic climate control with humidity sensor that helps keep window glass free of condensation. Best of all, the CC comes with free scheduled maintenance for three years or 36,000 miles,
$12,484
1-888-810-1201
Chevrolet Buick of Quincy
$10,384
1-888-810-1201
Chevrolet Buick of Quincy
‘07 FORD Edge
D L O S
‘09 HONDA Accord
RedXre Metallic, 4 door, AWD, SUV, 6-Speed Automatic, 3.5L V6 24V MPFI DOHC, Stock# 5B07513.
Chevrolet Buick of Quincy
$12,584
1-888-810-1201
$10,884
1-888-810-1201
Alabaster Silver Metallic, 4 door, FWD, Sedan, 5Speed Automatic, 2.4L I4 16V MPFI DOHC, Stock# 3076329.
Chevrolet Buick of Quincy
$14,384
1-888-810-1201
‘08 DODGE Grand Caravan
‘09 VOLKSWAGEN New Beetle
‘12 CHEVROLET Cruze
‘12 CHEVROLET Silverado 1500
Light Sandstone Clearcoat Metallic, 4 door, FWD, Minivan, Automatic, 3.8L V6 12V MPFI OHV, Stock# 5147280
Silver, 2 door, FWD, Convertible, 6-Speed Automatic, 2.5L I5 20V MPFI DOHC, Stock# 5411864.
Blue, 4 door, FWD, Sedan, 1.8L I4 16V MPFI DOHC, Stock# 3245783.
4 door, RWD, Extended Cab Pickup, 4-Speed Automatic, 4.8L V8 16V MPFI OHV Flexible Fuel, Stock# 3103334.
$15,884
1-888-810-1201
Chevrolet Buick of Quincy
$16,484
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Chevrolet Buick of Quincy
$19,884
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Chevrolet Buick of Quincy
$22,784
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YOU WON’T BUY FOR LESS! IF YOU HAVE BEEN SHOPPING FOR A NEW CHEVY, BUICK, OR GMC - I WILL GIVE YOU A PERSONAL GUARANTEE THAT YOU WILL RECEIVE THE BEST PRICING AND THE VERY BEST SERVICE BAR - NONE
2013 crossovers from VW, GMC P
ositioned atop the VW lineup, the five-seat Volkswagen Touareg crossover comes with a choice of three V-6 engines. The GMC Acadia, a full-size crossover, gets an update for the 2013 model year, with new styling, features and safety tech. It can seat up to eight.
VOLKSWAGEN
GM
2013 Volkswagen Touareg
COMPARISON
Starting MSRP: $43,425 to $58,655
■ Turbocharged diesel engine gains 15 hp, now rated at 240 hp; 280-hp, 3.6-liter gas V-6; available gas-electric hybrid; standard AWD; eight-speed automatic transmission; 7,716-pound towing capacity.
New or notable
■ City: 17 to 20 mpg; Highway: 23 to 29 mpg
Fuel economy
2013 GMC Acadia
Starting MSRP: $34,050 to $47,945 ■ Sharp, new face; upscale-looking interior; new touch-screen display; new front center airbag. Front- or all-wheel drive. The Acadia is powered by a 3.6-liter V-6 engine that produces 288 horsepower. The Acadia also comes in a luxury Denali trim. ■ City: 16 to 17 mpg; Highway: 23 to 24 mpg
Exterior
■ The new look includes a large squared-off three-bar grille and a more chiseled hood. The massive grille and smaller squared headlights with non-functional air vents underneath look like the eye black and face mask of a football player. Around back, the model gets a wraparound greenhouse, with D-pillars that are also encased in glass and a new rear spoiler. New 18-, 19- and 20-inch wheel designs are available. LED running lights come standard, too.
■ The Touareg’s cabin is fairly conventional. Climate controls fall below a large center display screen, and the steering wheel adopts the same controls as those found in VW’s Golf and GTI cars. The Touareg’s backseat is significantly roomier than the prior generation’s and the rear seats fold in one motion. Interior features include: sliding and reclining backseat; 6.5-inch touchscreen stereo.
Interior
■ The Acadia gets a new upper dash and console design that features more padded materials and new satin- and wood-patterned trimming. The SLT and Denali trims get real aluminum inlays along the center console, doors and dash. The center console features new switchgear and a touch-screen display with some button-less capacitive touch controls. The radial dials for the climate controls have small LCD readouts for temperature. The new display comes with IntelliLink, a multimedia operating system that gives access to Pandora and Stitcher Internet streaming audio.
■ Standard safety features include: antilock brakes; side-impact airbags for the front seats; side curtain airbags; electronic stability system; active front head restraints.
Safety
■ The front center airbag is designed to keep the driver and front occupant from colliding with each other or other objects in the cabin, and it acts as an energy-absorbing cushion that holds you in place in a collision. Blind-spot monitoring and rear crosstraffic systems are available.
■ The Touareg has a clean separation between its grille and front air dam, with Audi-like LEDs in the headlights and taillights. Exterior features include: chrome door accents; stylish tailpipes.
2 » MONDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2012 » TALLAHASSEE DEMOCRAT » ONTHEMOVE
GM to produce electric Cadillac By Nathan Bomey Detroit Free Press
DETROIT — General Motors plans to build an all-new electric luxury vehicle designed to compete with Fisker Automotive’s Karma and Tesla Motors’ Model S. GM hasn’t released pricing details for the Cadillac ELR, a coupe based on the same extended-range electric power-
train as its $40,000 Chevrolet Volt. But Tesla’s Model S starts at about $60,000 and Fisker’s Karma has a base price of more than $100,000. The car is based on the Cadillac Converj concept vehicle introduced at the 2009 North American International Auto Show. Production volumes for the two-door, four-seat ELR are expected to be relatively low. GM hasn’t
announced details on the vehicle’s electric-only range. The 2013 Volt’s battery pack allows the vehicle to travel 38 miles on a single charge of electricity before a gasoline engine-generator kicks in and powers an electric motor. The ELR similarly will rely on an extended-range system that provides allelectric drive with the option to switch to gasoline.
The 2009 Cadillac Converj concept vehicle is the base for GM’s plans for the Cadillac ELR, which will have a power train similar to that of the electric Chevrolet Volt. AP
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Acura refreshes ZDX
Ford C-Max Energi earns100 MPGe rating The starting price for the new Ford C-Max Energi is $33,745.
HONDA
A lane departure warning system is now standard in the 2013 Acura ZDX.
sensors, Bluetooth connectivity, heathe Acura ZDX gets a mild refresh ed and ventilated front seats with perfor 2013, giving the car a slightly forated leather, a passive keyless entry different look with a redesigned front system with push-button start, and automatic climate control. grille and new power-folding AD MORE AT The ZDX also gets forside mirrors. The grille fea- RE ward collision and lane detures fewer styling cues, proparture warning systems viding a more elegant look Go to Cars.com for added as standard. up front. and advice, and The 2013 Acura ZDX costs For the model year, the reviews www.kickingtires.net for $51,815, including an $895 Acura ZDX will be sold in news and updates. destination fee. That’s $4,800 just one package. Added features include a 435-watt 10-speaker more than the outgoing model, though surround-sound audio system, 15-gi- there’s plenty more standard equipment. The 2013 model year also marks the gabyte music hard drive, navigation system, 8-inch display, multiview end for the nameplate; it’ll go out of camera system, front and rear parking production in early 2013.
KICKINGTIRES.NET
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KICKINGTIRES.NET
FORD MOTOR CO.
W
hen the new Ford C-Max Energi goes on sale this fall, its fuel efficiency will be rated at 100 MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent) under the EPA’s combined five-cycle testing format. The C-Max Energi gets 108 MPGe in the city and 92 MPGe highway. The MPGe number only reflects the electric-only range of the CMax Energi, which can travel up to 20 miles on electric power. The 2013 C-Max Energi has a $33,745 starting price, including a $795 destination fee. There’s a $3,750 federal tax credit if you qualify. ONTHEMOVE » TALLAHASSEE DEMOCRAT » MONDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2012 » 3
Nissan shows safety features, electronic steering By Yuri Kageyama AP Business Writer
YOKOSUKA, Japan — Electronically managed steering that bypasses the mechanical link of a clutch is among the new safety technology from Japanese automaker Nissan. Other vehicles are smart enough to park themselves. And some swerve automatically to avoid pedestrians. Nissan Motor Co. Executive
Vice President Mitsuhiko Yamashita said the latest safety advancements are proactive, unlike air-bags and other “passive” features that are triggered by a crash. Next-generation steering uses electronic signals to control tires, not a mechanical link. It’s set to be introduced in an Infiniti luxury model within a year, and would be a world first for a commercially produced
car. In the auto industry, the technology is being touted as the biggest innovation in steering since the widespread adoption of power-assisted steering, which uses hydraulics to make turning the wheels easier. Nissan also showed “autonomous emergency steering,” which helps to avoid collisions through turns when braking would be too late. Although many automakers,
including Volkswagen AG, Toyota Motor Corp. and Ford Motor Co., offer automatic braking, Nissan’s still experimental system takes the idea a step further to steer away in unexpected situations such as a pedestrian suddenly moving into the path of a vehicle. Nissan also showed nifty parking technology that senses if the driver mistakenly steps on the gas pedal instead of the
REVIEW
brakes, and corrects that. Another was automated steering so the car parks without the driver lifting a finger. Nissan said it was well on its way to achieving its target of halving deaths and serious injuries from traffic accidents involving Nissan vehicles by 2015, compared with 1995 data. Making that zero is Nissan’s goal. Some 1.3 million people die in car wrecks every year.
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Jaguar XF pampers parents The 2012 Jaguar XF sport sedan starts at $53,875.
TOYOTA
JAGUAR
ents are guaranteed a few head bonks with that rear-sloping roofline when aguar has created a remarkably fun- getting infants and toddlers loaded into to-drive luxury sport sedan that child-safety seats. Otherwise, the XF is doesn’t feel or look ostentatious. The completely welcoming. The XF Portfolio gets an EPA-esfive-seater 2012 Jaguar XF has a great price tag for all the fun and pampering timated 16/23 mpg city/highway and uses premium gas. it brings to the table. AD MORE AT The black interior is swathed I’m not saying it’s cheap, RE in leather upholstery. Once I but the base model’s starting pushed the glowing red pushprice is $53,875, including an $875 destination charge. Go to Cars.com and start button, the gearshift knob www.kickingtires.net for appeared out of the center conMy Portfolio-trim test car, family-oriented news and sole and the air vents (hidden which starts at $59,875, rang reviews about cars behind closed panels on the up at $67,000, but it had just about every bell and whistle you can dash), flipped open in a quiet tumble. I loved the abundance of storage in the imagine, even a heated windshield. The XF is a study in understated, center console. The 17.7-cubic-foot trunk could hanmodern elegance. The low roofline and high door sills create a sleek line. Par- dle a medium- to large-sized grocery trip.
By SARA LACEY
CARS.COM FAMILY
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4 » MONDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2012 » TALLAHASSEE DEMOCRAT » ONTHEMOVE
The redesigned 2013 Lexus ES 350 earned the IIHS top safety pick award.
4 cars score high safety rating KICKINGTIRES.NET
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he Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s list of Top Safety Picks has grown by four cars. The 2013 versions of the Lexus ES, Dodge Dart, Hyundai Santa Fe and Subaru XV Crosstrek have earned IIHS’ top award. To earn the safety nod, a car must receive the highest score of Good in front, side, rear and rollover crash tests. The rollover test looks at a vehicle’s roof strength — to pass this crash test, a car’s roof must withstand a force of four times its weight. The ES and Santa Fe have been redesigned for the 2013 model year. Both the ES 350 and ES 300h, a hybrid, have been named Top Safety Picks. The new-for-2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek’s crash-test scores are no surprise since it’s based on the Subaru Impreza, which is also a Top Safety Pick. The Dart is also new for 2013.
Battery maker A123 files for protection By Tom Krisher Associated Press
DETROIT — After years of struggling in the nascent market for electric cars, battery maker A123 Systems Inc. filed for bankruptcy protection Tuesday. The company received a $249 million Department of Energy grant three years ago with high hopes that it would help
foster a U.S. battery industry. At the time, the country was far behind the world leaders, Korea and China. While the technology offered by the Waltham, Mass.-based A123 Systems turned out to be ahead of its time, Americans continue to shun costly electric cars in favor of gas-powered ones. “Sometimes when you push the edge of technology, you fall
over that edge,” said Aaron Bragman, an automotive industry analyst at IHS Automotive near Detroit. The filing doesn’t necessarily mean the end for A123 System’s operations. The company sold its automotive unit to parts maker Johnson Controls Inc., which plans to keep A123 plants open and sell the company’s lithium-ion battery technology. Bragman said that although
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the government will lose cash, its seed money was needed to foster the electric car and battery industries. Other governments such as Japan and China, he said, play similar roles in growing new industries. “You run the risk of losing some, but you run an even bigger risk of falling behind globally if you’re not ready when the technology suddenly blossoms, which it will,” he said.
A123’s demise as an independent business reflects the problems of the electric-car industry. Americans have been slow to buy the vehicles because they’re expensive, and many models have limited range and can run out of power on longer trips. Lackluster sales of EVs and batteries left A123 with huge losses and a plunging market value.
TRENDS
Top movers in September
Ryan Seacrest and the Ford Fusion will both be on view at Ford dealerships on Nov. 15.
MICHAEL BECKER / FORD MOTOR CO.
Ford dealerships to offer ‘American Idol’ experience USA TODAY
O
n Nov. 15, it will feel like you’ve wandered onto the set of a game show at Ford dealerships. Ford is sponsoring a one-night promotion at many dealerships across the country tied to its long association with the hit TV show “American Idol.” The goal is to get people to stroll into the dealership for “Go Further with Ford Night” and take a hard look at the new Fusion. If they do, the dealership will kick in $10 for a charity of its choice and they will get to try a game that could
land them on “American Idol.” Ford says the game will involve a webcam that will be set up in the dealership to allow consumers to view a special message from “American Idol” host Ryan Seacrest and test their judging skills on camera. Entries will be sent to Ford’s program headquarters where a team will evaluate and select one winner to receive an all-expenses-paid trip for two to Hollywood and a “unique VIP experience” on the new season of the show, which starts in January.
HONDA
It took Honda an average of five days to sell a new 2013 Honda Accord sedan. KICKINGTIRES.NET
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onda is off to the races with the redesigned Accord, which averaged just five days to move after the sedan hit dealer lots Sept. 19. The 2013 CR-V — virtually identical to the redesigned 2012 — arrived at Honda dealerships Sept. 6, and it too averaged just five days to sell. New cars in September averaged 65 days to turn — an uptick from August’s 57 days. The movers list reports the average number of days it takes to sell models from the day they arrive on the lot until the final paperwork is signed by a buyer. Top movers in September: ■ 5 days: 2013 Honda Accord sedan, 2013 Honda CR-V
■ 7 days: 2013 Subaru Impreza hatchback, 2013 Subaru Impreza sedan, 2013 Toyota Highlander ■ 9 days: 2013 BMW X1, 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport, 2013 Toyota Tacoma extended cab, 2013 Toyota Tacoma crew cab ■ 11 days: 2013 Lexus ES 300h ■ 12 days: 2013 Ford Escape, 2013 Scion FR-S ■ 13 days: 2013 BMW 328i (RWD), 2013 BMW 328i xDrive (AWD), 2013 Chevrolet Cruze, 2013 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, 2013 Kia Soul, 2013 Lexus ES 350, 2013 Mercedes-Benz ML350, 2013 Porsche Cayenne, 2013 Toyota Sienna, 2013 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen
ONTHEMOVE » TALLAHASSEE DEMOCRAT » MONDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2012 » 5
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Car-based Pathfinder offers impressive gas mileage
PHOTOS BY VOLKSWAGEN
The Jetta Hybrid uses a turbocharged gas engine and an electric motor. PHOTOS BY NISSAN
The 2013 Pathfinder, above and below, has several trims with a variety of options.
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KICKINGTIRES.NET
he 2013 Nissan Pathfinder, which starts at $29,095, including an $825 destination charge, costs less than the outgoing 2012 Pathfinder ($30,115). The Pathfinder is now, officially, a car-based, three-row crossover; previously it was a traditional body-onframe SUV. The 2013 Pathfinder gets great gas mileage for its class, estimated at 20/26/22 mpg city/highway/ combined with front-wheel drive and 19/25/21 mpg with all-wheel drive. The S trim comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, a tri-zone automatic climatecontrol system, push-button start, an in-dash six-disc CD changer and a security system. The SV adds a backup camera with sonar, Bluetooth connectivity, a passive keyless entry system, a 7-inch center console display, an eight-way powered driver’s seat, a leatherwrapped steering wheel and shifter, and wood-toned trim. The SV also gets roof rails and a front tow hook. The SV costs $32,355, including destination. The SL costs $35,295 and adds fog
lights, a powered liftgate, remote engine start, heated mirrors, heated front seats, a HomeLink garage door opener and leather upholstery. An SL Premium trim adds dual panoramic moonroofs, a Bose stereo and the tow package for $37,945. The Platinum trim costs $39,995 and adds 20-inch alloy wheels, a navigation system, 13-speaker Bose stereo, Around View cameras, climatecontrolled front seats, heated rear seats and a heated steering wheel. All-wheel drive is a $1,600 option on all trims. A Pathfinder Platinum Premium edition adds dual panoramic moonroofs and dual 7-inch displays mounted into the rear of the front seat headrests. The trim costs $42,295.
6 » MONDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2012 » TALLAHASSEE DEMOCRAT » ONTHEMOVE
Jetta Hybrid hits 45 mpg
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KICKINGTIRES.NET
hen the 2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid goes on sale later this year, it’ll start at $25,790, including a $795 destination fee. The Jetta Hybrid will get a combined city/highway rating of 45 mpg. It’s important to note that the base Jetta Hybrid can only be purchased by ordering it, so most models available to casual car shoppers will start at the SE trim, which starts at $27,785. Unlike other hybrids sold in the U.S., the Jetta Hybrid has a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder gas engine that makes 170 horsepower in conjunction with a 27-hp electric motor. The powertrain is mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The Jetta Hybrid can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in less than nine seconds, according to Volkswagen, and drive at speeds up to 44 mph on electric power alone. The base Jetta Hybrid comes with power-heated side mirrors, 15-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, automatic climate control, Bluetooth connectivity, a leatherwrapped steering wheel and a sixspeaker audio system. The SE trim starts at $27,785, and includes features like LED taillights, power recline front seats, a touch-screen display and passive keyless entry with push-button start. The SEL trim starts at $30,120 and adds 16-inch alloy wheels, a power sunroof, navigation, heated front washer nozzles, heated front seats and a six-way power driver’s seat. The SEL Premium trim starts at $31,975 and includes bi-xenon highintensity-discharge headlights, fog lights with cornering lights, 17-inch alloy wheels, a Fender audio system and a backup camera.
GM to hire 3,000 workers from Hewlett-Packard Associated Press
DETROIT — General Motors will hire 3,000 workers from HewlettPackard as the carmaker moves more computer functions in-house. The move is part of a larger GM strategy to have more control over
the technology it uses in cars and to run its business. The HP employees already work on GM projects. GM is hiring more software developers, opening technology centers and taking on work from outside firms like
HP. GM Chief Information Officer Randy Mott worked at HP until joining GM in February. The carmaker has announced plans for new information technology centers in Warren, Mich., and Austin, Texas.
Prices for Volkswagen’s 2013 CC Sport Plus starts at $31,435. AP
CC Continued » 1D
Sport is $31,435 with manual transmission and $32,535 with dual-clutch automatic. The base CC comes with a 200-horsepower, turbocharged, direct-injection, gasoline four cylinder. A 280-horsepower gasoline V-6 is available on the upper level Executive model that starts at $42,245. It comes with automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. Competitors include other upscale, frontwheel drive, compact sedans with four-cylinder engines, such as the 2013 Acura TSX, which has a starting MSRP plus destination charge of $31,405 and base, 201-horsepower powerplant. Meantime, the 2013 Buick Verano sedan has a starting retail price of $23,965 with 180-horsepower, four-cylinder engine and automatic transmission. The base four cylinders of the ILX and Verano are not turbocharged. But later in the 2013 model year, the Verano will add a 250-horsepower, turbo four cylinder. Neither Acura nor Buick includes free scheduled maintenance. The CC started life as a VW with standout aesthetics, and the distinctive styling continues
with the new hood, grille, lights and bumpers. The sides have more prominently sculpted lower sills, and the CC looks somewhat low to the ground. In fact, it is shorter in overall height than the TSX and Verano, and passengers set down a bit onto the seats, which means there’s no good way to look over or around taller vehicles. From the start, VW touted the CC as an affordable “four-door coupe,” and certainly, it’s less pricey than the Mercedes-Benz CLS “fourdoor coupe” that starts at more than $70,000 for 2013. The CC also has a coupe’s kind of doors — frameless. But Americans bought just 29,502 CCs last calendar year. The test CC, a base model with six-speed manual transmission, handled emergency maneuvers as well as day-today driving with confidence. Highway travel was pleasant too. The test car rode with its 15.75-foot-long body well-controlled and tamped down over road bumps. Electric, power-assisted, rack-and-pinion steering has variable speed assist, so steering had a consistent feel. The driver had a palpable sense that the test CC was well connected to the road.
The CC seemed to slice through air without wind noise. There was a bit of road noise from the 17inch, all-season tires. Shoppers may not expect a six-speed manual in a sedan, but it’s in the CC for those who want it. The shifting had a bit of a loose, rubbery feel, and the clutch pedal engaged the clutch quickly. The test car had some lag at startup, evidently from the turbo, but once the turbo got going, the forceful grunt pulled the car strongly. Peak torque of 207 foot-pounds in this 3,300-pound car comes on at a low 1,700 rpm. VW recommends premium gasoline for top performance, and the test car’s fuel economy of nearly 24 miles per gallon in 70 percent city driving and 30 percent highway driving did not impress. Still, with a sizable gas tank capable of holding 18.5 gallons, the test CC had a range of 440 miles. The CC’s sloping roofline requires some “ducking” to get inside and restricts back-seat headroom. The CC has standard leatherette seat trim in all but the $42,245 Executive model. Other restrictions in CC amenities seem offputting, too. The pricey Executive model is the only one with rearview camera. “Consumer Reports” lists CC reliability as below average.
ONTHEMOVE » TALLAHASSEE DEMOCRAT » MONDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2012 » 7
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‘03 LEXUS ES 300 Base
‘06 CHEVROLET Impala LS
‘05 CHRYSLER PT Cruiser GT
‘04 MINI Cooper S
Stock #2621A. 134,720 Miles. 4 Door. 5-Speed Automatic. DOHC 24Valve V6.
Stock #2832A. 90,150 Miles. 4 Door. 4-Speed Automatic. 3500 OHV V6.
Convertible. Stock #P944. 52,470 Miles. 2 Door. 5Speed Manual. HO Turbo DOHC I-4.
Stock #2853A. 84,143 Miles. 3 Door. 6-Speed Manual. Supercharged I-4.
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‘98 BMW Z3 Roadster
‘08 HONDA Civic EX-L
‘07 CHRYSLER Town & Country
Convertible. Stock #2787B. 91,191 Miles. 2 Door. 5-Speed Manual. DOHC In-line 6.
Stock #2868A. 90,723 Miles. 4 Door. 5-Speed Automatic. SOHC I-VTEC 16V I-4.
Touring. Stock #2895B. 83,231 Miles. 4 Door. 4-Speed Automatic. OHV 12V V6.
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1-888-432-2914 ‘06 CHEVROLET Silverado 1500 Reg
Stock #P938. 63,179 Miles. 2 Door. 4-Speed Automatic. Vortec 4800 V6.
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‘06 FORD Mustang V6 Premium
‘06 MITSUBISHI Eclipse GT
‘10 CHEVROLET Cobalt 1LT
‘11 TOYOTA Corolla LE
Stock #2642A. 85,153 Miles. 2 Door. 5-Speed Manual. SOHC 60-Degree V6.
Stock #P917A. 57,396 Miles. 2 Door. 5-Speed Automatic. SOHC 24Valve V6.
Stock #2767B. 44,056 Miles. 2 Door. 4-Speed Automatic. ECOTEC DOHC 16V VVT I-4.
Stock #P903. 32,865 Miles. 4 Door. 4-Speed Automatic. DOHC 16V I-4.
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‘07 MAZDA CX-7 Grand Touring
‘10 DODGE Caliber R/T
‘05 TOYOTA Sequoia Limited
‘06 JEEP Wrangler X Soft Top
Stock #2823B.47,892 Miles. 5 Door. 6-Speed Automatic. Turbo Charged DISI 16V I-4.
Stock #2810A. 9,908 Miles. 5-Door. CTV2 Automtic. DOHC 16V VVT I-4.
Stock #2836A. 117,368 Miles. 5 Door. 5-Speed Automatic. I-Force DOHC V8.
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Gem Mazda
$14,995
1-888-432-2914
Gem Mazda
$15,495
1-888-432-2914
Gem Mazda
$15,495
1-888-432-2914
‘11 MAZDA Mazda3 iTouring
‘09 MAZDA RX-8 Grand Touring
‘11 HYUNDAI Elantra GLS
‘10 MAZDA Mazda6 iTouring
Stock #P952. 35,814 Miles. 4 Door. 5-Speed Automatic. DOHC 16V VVT I-4.
Stock #P912. 43,844 Miles. 5 Door. 6-Speed Automatic. Renesis 2Rotor.
Stock #2860A. 34,600 Miles. 4 Door. 6-Speed Automatic. DOHC 16V D-CVVT.
Stock #P946. 43,005 Miles. 4 Door. 5-Speed Automatic. DOHC VVT 16V I-4.
$15,995
1-888-432-2914
Gem Mazda
$16,995
1-888-432-2914
Gem Mazda
$16,995
1-888-432-2914
Gem Mazda
$17,995
1-888-432-2914
‘06 FORD F-150 Lariat Crew
‘10 FORD Mustang V6 Premium
‘10 MAZDA Miata MX-5 Touring
‘09 MAZDA CX-9 Grand Touring
Stock #2762C. 94,962 Miles. 4 Door. 4-Speed Automatic. SOHC Triton V8.
Convertible. Stock #P941. 35,704 Miles. 2 Door. 5Speed Automatic. SOHC 60-Degree V6.
Convertible. Stock #P954. 20,882 Miles. 2 Door. 6Speed Automatic. DOHC VVT 16V I-4.
Stock #P942. 30,301 Miles. 5 Door. 6-Speed Automatic. DOHC 24V V6.
$18,995
1-888-432-2914
Gem Mazda
$19,995
1-888-432-2914
TD-0000218816
8 » MONDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2012 » TALLAHASSEE DEMOCRAT » ONTHEMOVE
Gem Mazda
$399 Dealer Fee, Tax, Tag,
$24,995
1-888-432-2914
Gem Mazda
$25,995
1-888-432-2914