Automobile Blog

Nissan Murano

Nissan has always known how to build good cars. Nissan needed to maintain the sporty appearance of the current model and what with the new exterior lines and the addition of some stylish 18-inch aluminum wheels (20-inch on the LE version), that they possibly surpassed themselves there.

Nissan’s Murano has undergone a few improvements. While there’s there is still no diesel engine option and only a 265hp, 3.5-litre V6 petrol power plant for this second generation 4×4, there are changes to the exterior and interior, plus enhanced technology through an advanced CVT gearbox with adaptive shift control.

Nissan Murano is offered in three trim levels. The base S model is quite comfortably equipped, with numerous premium features and a standard 7-inch LCD display on the dashboard complementing the stereo, climate control and other systems. More luxurious SL models add some minor interior extras, as well as a backup camera.

The sportier SE model rides on a firmer suspension and gets xenon lights, but has an interior that’s identical to that of the SL. Options such as leather upholstery, Bose audio, a navigation system and a sunroof are available only on SL and SE models. (more…)

Kia Picanto

Kia Motors Corporation, is among the world’s fastest growing car companies. Kia Picanto is very capable on open roads. The skinny tyres provide decent grip, and although body control could be kept in better check, it feels competent when pushed hard.

Kia has listened to customers, and in response to their demands, the indicator stalks are now on the left hand side of the steering wheel. Elsewhere, the cee’d influence continues across the Kia range.

The Picanto is available as a four or five seater with a choice of two petrol engines. The initial three model line-up includes the 1.0 litre GS 5-Seater, 1.1 litre LX 5-Seater and 1.1 litre SE 4-Seater. A 1.1 litre diesel engine will be introduced in 2005. Prices range from £5,495 for the 1.0 GS to £7,295 for the 1.1 SE. On the road the Picanto performs reasonably well – light controls making it easy to drive and with handling up to the challenge of ziping around town.

Beyond city limits performance is very limited, especially with the less powerful 1.0 litre engine – although the 1.1 litre option is markedly better at cruising. It has some quirks in that power steering is not offered. Instead the steering is geared very low for easy parking and this makes it feel a little vague at higher speeds. Tight on boot space, the Picanto also dispenses with a spare wheel, instead having a tyre inflation kit.
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Nissan Rogue 2008

Nissan Rogue 2008 has entered the market segment as hot as the small crossover one is these days. Nissan has been in the small crossover arena for a few years with the X-Trail, but, being an older design that were parachuted in to Canada as a stopgap. The 2008 Nissan Rogue is available in two models, Rogue S and Rogue SL, each with a standard 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, Nissan’s advanced Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission), Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) and 4-wheel disc brakes with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). Rogue also offers a long list of standard safety features, including front seat-mounted side-impact supplemental air bags and roof-mounted curtain supplemental air bags for front and rear outboard occupants. Rogue offers only one transmission, a CVT.

Nissan embraces this technology more so than any other automaker, and the example in the Rogue is one of the best we’ve driven–you could almost forget it’s not a conventional automatic gearbox. The Rogue’s electric power steering is also commendably conventional-feeling, with just-right efforts. Nissan has tuned its small crossover for responsive cornering, but the downside is a ride that delivers sharp kicks over bumps.

An all-new all-wheel drive system with yaw moment control is available on both S and SL models. Rogue also offers a long list of standard safety features – including front seat-mounted side-impact supplemental air bags and roof-mounted curtain supplemental air bags. Rogue delivers on this promise with an advanced drive train anchored by its powerful 2.5-liter engine, 4-wheel independent suspension and refined, Intuitive All-Wheel Drive system.

Rogue’s standard QR25DE 2.5-liter DOHC 16-valve inline 4-cylinder is rated at 170 horsepower and 175 lb-ft torque (167 hp, 170 lb-ft CAL emissions), tuned to provide ample torque in the low-to-mid rpm range for smooth, powerful acceleration and quick initial response from a standing start. (more…)

Chevrolet Malibu

The 2008 Malibu is a genuine revelation, giving Chevy something it has never really had before — a genuine, no-compromise competitor for the two top-selling sedans, the Toyota Camry and the Honda Accord. The base Malibu comes with a 2.4-liter, 169-horsepower four-cylinder engine, mated to a four-speed automatic transmission. Malibu will be offered in three trim levels (LS, LT and LTZ) with a choice of three power trains.

The standard engine (on all trims) is GM’s 2.4L four-cylinder engine. The 169 horsepower and 160 pound-feet of torque are fine if you spend the bulk of you time prowling suburbia.

This engine, standard in the LS and LT models, is a step up from most GM four-cylinders, and delivers very good fuel mileage, at an EPA-rated 22 miles per gallon city, 30 mpg highway. The other advantage is that the livelier feel comes with better fuel economy: At 8.5 liters per 100 kilometers, the hybrid uses 1.1 L/100 km less fuel (than the base four) in the city.

The optional 3.6L V6 is going to be the engine of choice. It is smooth, refined and delivers a rewarding turns of speed. The 252 hp and 251 lb-ft of torque works well with the four-speed automatic; dropping in the LTZ’s six-speed automatic makes a world of difference. Malibu LS, starting at $19,995, the LT, starting at $20,955, and the LTZ, starting at $26,995. The hybrid’s base price is $22,790, and the car qualifies for a $1,300 federal tax credit.

Malibu’s on-road performance comes from two dual-overhead cam four- and six-cylinder engines, including a standard 169-horsepower 2.4-liter 4-cylinder that delivers 30 mpg/highway, 22/city and an available 252-hp 3.6-liter V-6 with variable valve timing, rated at 26 mpg/highway and 17/city. Four-cylinder models come with a four-speed transmission. A six-speed automatic transmission is standard with the 3.6-liter V-6 and will be available later on the four-cylinder LTZ. (more…)