2016 Ford Focus: A good thing in a small package

After a significant refresh a year ago, the 2016 Ford Focus adds a few new features to its mix while maintaining its status as a fuel-efficient and attractive compact car. 

This model year brings new technology options, two new exterior colors and a standard rearview camera.

The Focus, which is offered as a sedan or hatchback, is powered by 2.0-liter four-cylinder that is linked to a five speed manual or six speed automatic transmission. Also available is a 1.0-liter three cylinder with a six speed manual or a six speed automatic. The latter engine is an EcoBoost model, which is rated at 28 mpg city, 40 highway with the automatic. 

Ford's restyling changes made the Focus look more like some of its sibling vehicles in the lineup. It gave the rear more of a horizontal orientation and offered optional LED head lights and taillights. This year, 16-inch alloy wheels are available. 

The Focus makes efficient use of its interior space. The sedan has a 13.2 cubic foot trunk, while the hatchback has 23.3 cubic feet of space behind the second row, which can expand to 43.9 cubic feet with the 60/40-split seat folded down.

On the interior, thankfully the terrible touch buttons that used to control the radio and climate control are gone. There is now a Sync3 system that has an eight-inch touchscreen, voice recognition, AppLink, and 911 Assist. Standard features include an auxiliary audio input, air conditioning, power windows and locks, and a tilt/telescoping steering wheel. 

The Focus starts at around $18,000 and tops out at nearly $25,000.
For a fuel efficient and attractive compact car that is also practical, the Focus is a strong pick. 

2016 Hyundai Elantra: Solid choice among small sedans

Hyundai has given a significant makeover to its Elantra compact sedan that includes new technology, new powertrains, structural enhancements and new safety features. The result is a fuel-efficient and affordable sedan that makes sense for buyers seeking good value.

Available in three trim levels - SE, Eco and Limited - the Elantra is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 147 horsepower and carries a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. However, the Eco has a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that makes 128 horsepower. The first engine gets 26 mpg city, 36 highway and the Eco engine gets 32 and 40.

Elantras feature the ability to switch among driving modes that include eco, normal or sport, depending on what the driver chooses. And while the sport mode might not turn the Elantra into a Formula One racing machine, it does add a bit of an element of fun. Hyundai officials say the suspension on the Elantra is nearly 30 percent more rigid, helping to improve handling and overall driving dynamics.

Exterior highlights include the hexagonal grille that Hyundai is using on a number of its vehicles and the optional high-intensity discharge headlights. The Elantra also includes air curtains in the front that minimize wind-resistance, making the car more aerodynamic. The rear spoiler and deck lid also aim to achieve better aerodynamics.

The body of the Elantra gained an inch in width and nearly an inch in length. Hyundai is offering five new colors for this model year as well.

The interior is highlighted by a wider new instrument panel that makes the car seem more spacious. In fact, the Elantra is large enough to be considered a midsize car by the EPA. There is now an optional memory system for the power driver's seat and side mirrors and greater sound insulation and thicker glass in the front to reduce cabin noise.

Standard inputs for iPhone and USB and satellite radio are featured. The multimedia screen is tilted slightly toward the driver for greater convenience.

For safety, Hyundai has included structural reinforcements up front to protect against collisions. There is an optional collision warning system that lets the driver know when a crash is pending and can apply brakes automatically.

The Elantra has a starting price of about $18,000 and ranges to around $23,000. For an affordable, fuel-efficient sedan, the Elantra is a solid choice.

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2016 Infiniti QX50: Stylish crossover has a lot to offer

With updated exterior styling and improved leg room on the interior, the 2016 Infiniti QX50 is a solid competitor in the luxury crossover SUV market. It offers stylish looks and very good driving dynamics.

The QX50 has a sportier front end for this model year that includes wider air vents and a hollowed out grille, putting it more in line with Infiniti's car lineup. The crossover's look is also enhanced by chrome accents on the side windows and grille.

The QX50 has standard 18-inch wheels, while 19-inchers are optional. A moonroof and heated side mirrors are also standard. Other options include fog lights, an adaptive front lighting system and a reverse tilt down mirror.

Under the hood, the QX50 features a 3.7-liter V-6 engine that makes 327 horsepower and is linked to a seven-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel is optional.

Gas mileage is rated at 17 mpg city, 24 highway. The QX50 uses premium fuel, so you might want to take that into account when making a purchasing decision.

The QX50 is available with an Around View Monitor system, which helps with parking. There are cameras on each side of the vehicle that show the surroundings on the screen on the dashboard. Other handy safety features include lane-departure warning, blind spot warning and forward collision warning systems.

The interior of the QX50 offers luxurious styling that is not over the top. The leather seating is comfortable and attractive and the dashboard is neatly arranged and features good quality materials. Dual zone climate control, satellite radio and heated front seats are standard. Options include a navigation system, Bose premium audio system and a power folding back seat.

The QX50 starts at around $37,000. Our tester, which was pretty well loaded up with options, carried a sticker price of $43,535.

If you're seeking a versatile crossover vehicle with some nice luxury features, the QX50 is a great choice.

2016 Volkswagen Beetle: Retro styling and good fuel economy

The Volkswagen Beetle has long been a favorite compact car among many, and the 2016 model year version holds onto that status with revised trim levels and good fuel economy. Available as a hatchback or convertible, it is fun to drive and still provides the distinctive styling for those who want to drive something that's just a little different.

There are six trim levels offered for the hatchback version: the 1.8T S, the 1.8T SE, 1.8T SEL, R-Line SE, R-Line SEL and the 1.8T Dune, which our test model was. The differences basically center around how they are tuned and some other factors.

A few years ago, VW re-styled the Beetle in an effort to give it a bit more of a masculine look. Whether the German automaker succeeded in doing that is up for debate. But the style is still a winner among a dedicated segment of the small car market.

The exterior of the Beetle has a standard rear spoiler, 16-inch wheels and automatic headlights. Options include a panoramic moonroof, dual exhaust pipes and wheels up to 19 inches.

Under the hood is a standard 1.8-liter four cylinder engine that makes 170 horsepower that is linked to a six-speed automatic transmission. R-Line models have a 2.0-liter four banger. Gas mileage on the 1.8-liter is rated at 25 mpg city, 34 highway and 23 and 31 for R-Line.

VW always prides itself on the safety of its vehicles, and the Beetle can lay claim to a five-star crash test rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. With electronic stability and front air bags being standard, optional safety gear includes parking assist, backup camera and blind spot monitor.

The interior of the Beetle seats four and is surprisingly roomy for front seat passengers. Rear seat passengers who are not small children will feel rather cramped, though.

The multimedia system with touchscreen has a navigation system and rests on the center console. It also features Android Auto and Apple CarPlay capability and a Bluetooth connection for audio and phone. Remote keyless entry and heated front seats are among the standard features. Options include leather upholstery, push-button start and a Fender premium auto system.

The Beetle starts at around $21,000 and ranges as high as about $35,000. With its distinctive styling, good fuel economy and safety features, it remains a solid player in the compact car market.

2016 Volkswagen Jetta: Comfortable small sedan with good performance

The 2016 Volkswagen Jetta comes with a few updates to entice buyers, including improved smartphone connectivity and new styling on the highest trim level. As such, the Jetta remains a competitive piece of the compact sedan segment that offers better than average driving dynamics and good fuel economy.

Most trim levels of the Jetta, including our SEL tester, retain the modest styling that the car has been known for over the years. But the GLI now has a new front fascia and dual chrome tipped exhaust vents at the rear that give it a bit more of an aggressive look. Other Jetta trim levels include base, S, SE and Sport.

Under the hood, our tester featured a 1.8-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine that makes 170 horsepower. It is mated to a six-speed automatic. Fuel economy is rated at 25 mpg city, 36 highway.

VW has also added a new base engine choice for this model year, a 1.4-liter four-banger with a six-speed automatic. Fuel economy with that power plant is rated at an impressive 28 and 39.

The interior features a roomy passenger space, for which VW has long been known, that has some technology updates. A 5 inch touchscreen audio system is standard in base models, with higher trim levels getting the 6.3 inch touchscreen that has the MIB II infotainment system. That system also includes Android Auto and Apple Car Play, which can mirror your phone's home screen and give you easy access to features and calling.

The Jetta includes such standard features as Bluetooth connectivity and USB port. Options available are navigation, dual zone climate control and heated front seats, among others.

VW has also established a reputation for the safety of its cars, and this version of the Jetta is no exception. It won a top safety pick plus honor from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety with models featuring crash prevention. That's the top IIHS honor. Optional safety gear on the Jetta includes blind spot warning, forward collision automatic braking and adaptive cruise control.

Pricing on the Jetta begins at around $18,000 and ranges to slightly higher than $30,000. If you're seeking a comfortable compact sedan that gets good fuel economy and has good driving dynamics, the Jetta is worthy of strong consideration.

2016 Nissan Maxima: New look, near luxury

The 2016 Nissan Maxima was given a complete redesign, and the result is stunning new style that vaults this car into near-luxury status. Long known as the "four door sports car," this version loses none of that sportiness and spirited driving ability.

The new body styling leaves the Maxima lower to the ground, but with a longer front-to-back dimension. That gives it more of a sports car look than it has ever had before.

The midline area of the car flows and dips, leading back to a rear window that is compact and a back end that is slightly elevated. The front grille is low slung.

The engine is a 3.5-liter V-6 that makes 300 horsepower and is linked to Nissan's often-criticized continuously variable transmission. We don't necessarily agree with critics of the CVT, though, as we find it to be appropriately responsive and effectively functioning.

You can choose from normal or sport driving modes, with the sport mode really delivering a spirited driving response. Fuel efficiency is rated at 22 mpg city, 30 highway.

The Maxima comes in five trim levels: S, SV, SL, SR and Platinum. Our tester was the Platinum, which is the highest luxury level of the group.

The Maxima's interior materials have been upgraded to include soft paneling at the top areas of the doors and material that adds comfort to the seating. Standard features include dual zone climate control, navigation with touchscreen display, push button start and power front seats. Higher trim levels get active noise cancellation, producing a quieter interior experience.

The Maxima is priced starting at around $33,000 and ranging to nearly $40,000. That pricing range approaches luxury car level, but with all you get with this car, it is pretty close to a luxury model.

First Look: 2017 Nissan Titan XD

The 2017 Nissan Titan XD is not quite a heavy-duty pickup truck but also not a light-duty truck. Nissan calls it an "extra-duty" rig — one that will tow more than a typical light-duty truck, but won't cost what a heavy-duty truck does and won't have capabilities that some folks won't use.

The Titan XD is filled with leather and luxury goodies, and feels every bit as premium as competitors' luxury models. It will be offered with standard and extended cabs, three bed lengths and a standard V-6 engine, following the launch of the V-8 crew-cab model.

Nissan is aiming this latest Titan squarely at the Detroit Three half-ton pickups, and unlike the last model, which languished for a decade without much of an update, this new truck should be a viable alternative.

The truck market has heated up again, in recent years, after flagging through the last bit of the previous decade, thank to the great recession. But now with economic activity, and most importantly construction activity, back up and rolling, automakers are sharpening their competitive edges among trucks.

This Nissan is an example of that, and it will be interesting to see how consumers respond to it. But based on our first look, those who try it won't be sorry they did.

2016 Toyota Tacoma: Better than ever

The Toyota Tacoma received a major update for the 2016 model year, including a refreshed interior and new exterior styling. The result is a truck that is great for work or play and presents a good-looking appearance.

The Tacoma now comes with only the access or double cab body styles, as the regular cab has been discontinued. Both offer two rows of seating, and if you select the double cab, you can also choose short or long bed lengths.

Under the hood, the 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine is still available from the previous model. It makes 159 horsepower. But also available is a new version of the V-6, a 3.5-liter engine that makes 278 horsepower and runs on the Atkinson cycle for greater efficiency. The main transmission is a six-speed automatic, which replaces the four-speed from the previous model. Some five- or six-speed manual transmissions will be available also, but those won't be sold in large numbers.

Fuel economy is rated at 19 mpg city, 24 highway on the four-cylinder and 17 and 20 for the six-cylinder. Those numbers aren't bad when you consider that the Tacoma is pretty powerful and, despite not being a heavy duty truck, can take on somewhat heavy duty chores.

The Tacoma has five trim levels including SR, SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road and Limited. Our tester was the SR5, and even though it wasn't as fully equipped as those at higher trim levels, it still offered a number of convenient features. Standard features include tilt/telescoping steering wheel with audio controls, a 6 inch touchscreen with the audio system, USB port and Bluetooth connectivity. Available options include leather seating, navigation system and dual zone automatic climate control. For safety, a backup camera and six airbags are also standard.

Exterior styling now more closely resembles that of the Tundra, Toyota's large truck. That's a welcome change, because now the Tacoma looks more aggressive and powerful, as well as having some sporty styling touches. The Tacoma name is branded into the tailgate and with larger fenders up front, the truck has a beefier look.

Toyota was wise to revise the Tacoma. The midsize truck market has heated up recently thanks to a newly revised Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon, and the Nissan Frontier remains a formidable competitor as well. Honda has redone its Ridgeline, so it will also be interesting to see how that truck will be received.

Pricing for the Tacoma starts at around $25,000 and ranges to just about $40,000. If you're in the market for a truck that can handle a good size work load, but also is smaller and more fuel efficient that large trucks, the Tacoma deserves a long look.

First Look: McLaren 570S

In the rarefied air of today's supercar segment, there are some pretty impressive names with some pretty lofty pricetags. And while most of these cars are clearly not meant to be relegated to milk-run duty, a new entry from McLaren seeks to blur the lines between supercars, luxury exotics and sports cars.

The McLaren 570S has the styling, brand pedigree and performance chops to be considered a player in the supercar league. That puts it on par with the Lamborghinis and Ferraris of the world, among others.

But with a sticker price that starts at "only" $184,900, it plays more in the high-end luxury sports car sandbox. Especially considering that its sibling vehicle, the P1, can easily ring up a bill of a little over $1 million.

Officials from McLaren said the 570S is aiming squarely at consumers who are now driving or considering purchasing a Porsche 911 Turbo S or an Audi R8 V10. Lofty targets indeed, but the 570S is more than up for the challenge. Plus, to justify calling it merely a sports car, McLaren officials say the 570S is perfectly suitable as an everyday driver.

The compact road presence of the 570S yields a strong power-to-weight ratio, surprisingly good fuel economy at 16 mpg city, 23 highway and a top speed of 204 mph. You'll feel a little bit of road in this machine, but nothing that would approach the harshness of ride some of its competitors dispense.

The upsweeping doors give it a bit of supercar flair, and provide ingress to an interior that is understated but practical and attractive, with beautiful Napa leather and an easy-to-gaze at multimedia screen. A pair of dials lets you adjust the suspension and traction control settings, with designations for handling or powertrain. There is also a launch control button that lets you blast off like a rocket from 0-60 mph in 3.1 seconds.

Without a doubt, the 570S makes a dramatic sensory statement. Its compact face, throaty roar and dynamic color palate (choose from 17 hues), make it turn heads and inspire imaginations, adding to its supercar credibility.

Our test drive was, sadly, limited to public roads, rather than giving us the ability to really put it through its paces on a track. But even within those limits, it was apparent that the 570S takes corners with aggression and accuracy, attributable to its brake steering.

The symphony of power that comes from the exhaust system announces that this car will not be denied. Upon throttle, you'll experience a gradual pull of the engine, followed by a ramping up in the midrange and a peak that arrives at a little over 8,000 rpm.

There are normal, sport and track powertrain settings that let you adjust to your driving desires and conditions. And when the track setting is activated along with the dynamic mode, be prepared for dramatic drifts and tail whips that will thrill.

Braking is handled ably by huge carbon ceramic rotors that have gripping calipers that will tackle the speeding machine with confidence. That better be the case when you've got a sprinter like this.

The 570S features a carbon fiber chassis, which, at a weight of 165 pounds, helps limit the total weight of the vehicle to 3,186 pounds. The engine, a twin-turbo 3.8-liter V-8, makes 562 horsepower. The transmission is a seven-speed dual-clutch.

So whether you want to call it a sports car or a supercar, the distinction ultimately doesn't matter. What matters is the athletic ability combined with refined road manners and stunning good looks delivered by the McLaren 570S.

2016 Mini Hardtop has style and substance

MINI has extended the length of its 2016 Hardtop by about half a foot in the new four-door body style. That creates more leg room for backseat passengers as well as more cargo room. Additionally, the backseat now is able to hold three passengers, as it previously only seated two.

The exterior still looks familiar to MINI fans, though, with the accent-colored roof, wheels at the far corners of the body and large, round headlights. If you opt for the Cooper S model, you get dual exhaust pipes and a hood vent for the turbocharged engine.

The Cooper is powered by a turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder that makes 134 horsepower and 162 pounds-feet of torque. The Cooper S model features a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that makes 189 horsepower and 207 pounds-feet of torque. It also includes a turbo boost feature that adds more torque when activated. With either engine, you get a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission.

Fuel economy on the Cooper is rated at 30 mpg city, 42 highway with the automatic and 30 and 41 with the manual. The Cooper S is rated at 28 and 40 with the automatic, or 23 and 37 with the manual.

The interior features a large circular display on the dashboard, an optional 8.8-inch touchscreen for control of the telematic and audio systems and a knob that lets you control the optional infotainment system that is based on the iDrive system from BMW. Other standard features include leather style seats, automatic climate control, Bluetooth connectivity, USB port and push-button start.

Driving dynamics are solid, with a bit of sportiness at times, as MINI pays homage to its BMW familial roots. The vehicle drives somewhat heavily, as you might expect with a car of this body type, but it still is nimble enough to not feel like you're driving an overweight, dumpy machine.

This model starts at around $22,000 and ranges to more than $32,000. That pricing seems fair, given the features that are included and the overall quality of fit and finish that MINI has become known for.

First Look: 2016 Buick Cascada

After a string of successes in recent years that has revitalized its brand, Buick is venturing into the convertible market for the first time in 25 years with the introduction of its Cascada mid-size car. It's a curious time to be jumping into the convertible market, which has been relatively dormant recently with three automakers withdrawing their offerings.
But Buick sees that as an opportunity for its new model, the Cascada (pronounced Kahs-kah-da - Spanish for waterfall). 

Other automakers decided it just wasn't worth it to make convertibles anymore. They include Volkswagen, which pulled its Eos, Chrysler, which withdrew its 200 convertible and Volvo, which yanked its C70. Buick officials at the unveiling in Florida said they saw that as the opportune time to unveil this drop top.

The Cascada is new to the USA, but it has been alive overseas for about three years, being sold as the Opel Cascada in Europe. The Holden and Vauxhall brands also sold versions of the car in other parts of the world.

The Cascada has attractive, but not ground-breaking, looks. It catches attention probably mostly because to see a new convertible model on the roads these days is so infrequent. Its lines aren't dramatic, but they're mildly chiseled.

The interior looks all Buick. It has a neat center dash arrangement of controls for climate, audio and more that drivers of other recent Buick models will find quite familiar.

Interior seating is comfortable up front, with a surprising amount of width and adequate leg room and head room. Rear seating is pretty snug, but not too many people buy convertibles so they can tote other folks around in the back seat.

The Cascada is powered by a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that makes 200 horsepower. That power plant is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with front-wheel drive. Driving dynamics are solid, if not spectacular. Acceleration is pretty effortless and handling and braking leave you with no complaints. Mind you, it might not drive quite like the convertibles offered by the German luxury brands, but the Cascada isn't truly in competition with them - it seems to have a niche of its own.

Fuel economy is rated at 20 mpg city, 27 highway, which isn't bad considering this is a convertible, making it heavier than similarly sized cars because of the mechanisms needed to operate the roof. Operating the roof is done with just the push of a button and can be completed in about 17 seconds, Buick officials said. It can also be done at speeds of up to about 30 mph.

Buick has priced the Cascada starting at around $34,000, with it topping out at about $37,000. That's not bad, and with the demographic that this car is likely aimed at, it should keep it competitive in the market.

Buick officials were wise to acknowledge that this vehicle won't be a high volume item, but what they hope to achieve is greater recognition for the brand. Drawing in some curious folks with the convertible, then selling them a crossover or sedan, is not a bad thing.

First Look: 2016 Chevrolet Silverado

Chevrolet says it's going all in on pickup trucks, the hypercompetitive market segment that has rebounded impressively after being dormant during the great recession. For 2016, Chevy's Silverado takes on an updated exterior appearance, offers more of its optional eight-speed automatic transmission and features Apple CarPlay, a cool technology enhancement that is easy to use and convenient.
The Silverado is an attractive truck that features a newly topographical hood with a lot of contour lines. There is also a new headlight structure that emphasizes a thin, projecter-beam type look. If you opt for upper trim levels, you also get an LED lighting line,

The interior is pretty much the same as the prior year's version, appearance-wise. But the exciting new change is the addition of Apple CarPlay. Chevy says that also on the way sometime next year is Android Auto integration. For now, you operate Apple CarPlay with the 7.0- and 8.0-inch MyLink touch screens.

Add that to Chevy's onboard OnStar 4G LTE data connection and Wi-Fi hot spot, and you have an impressively technologically advanced truck. And Chevy engineers were quite eager to point out how easy the technology is to use, unlike some of its competitors. You'll also be able to charge your phone wirelessly, if you opt for that feature.

Mechanically, a key change is the 8L90 eight-speed automatic transmission that comes from the 6.2-liter V-8 engine to some Silverado trim levels with the 5.3-liter V-8. The LTZ and the High Country models with the 6.2-liter take the eight-speed. All other models get the six-speed unit. Ride and handling remain very good by truck standards, with a surprisingly stiff suspension that delivers a solid ride that won't put you through the torture chamber.

Trim levels include the Work Truck, LS, LT, LTZ, and High Country models, and there are regular-cab, double-cab and crew-cab bodies with several bed choices. Two-wheel drive is standard, four-wheel drive is optional. Base prices start at about $28,000 and range to a little over $50,000.

Chevy has shown over the years that it knows how to make a good-looking, highly functional truck that will last and last. With this latest version of the Silverado, it seems to be showing no sign of changing any of those great attributes.

2016 Chrysler 200: Better styling and nice features

After a styling overhaul a year ago, the 2016 Chrysler 200 returns with the design changes that gave it a more modern look and some added technology features that make it more appealing. It has better-than-you-might-expect driving characteristics.

The 200 comes in four versions: LX, Limited, S and C. Our tester model was the S, which is the sport driving model of the bunch. There are two engine choices. Our model had the 3.6-liter V-6 that makes 295 horsepower and features optional all-wheel drive. The base engine is a 2.4-liter four-cylinder. The only transmission is a nine-speed automatic. Fuel economy is rated at 18 mpg city, 29 highway with the V-6 and 23 and 36 with the four-cylinder.

The interior was improved in the redesign with better quality materials and a convenient center console for storing items. It doesn't take up too much leg room, which is nice. However, the back seats are a bit cramped for passengers who are a little taller than average.

Interior options include dual zone climate control, an 8.4 inch touchscreen, heated and cooled front seats and leather upholstery. The new technology feature this year is Siri Eyes Free, which links your iPhone (4S or newer) with the car's telematics system to perform voice searches and provide other functions.

The 200 has been lauded for its safety features, winning a Top Safety Pick+ award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Each version except for the base LX offers a rearview camera. Optional safety gear includes a forward collision warning system, blind spot monitoring with rear cross-path alerts, lane departure warnings, parallel and perpendicular parking assist and automatic windshield wipers.

The exterior styling redesign gave it a more modern look, with a thin, black grille with Chrysler’s winged logo in the center flows into curved headlight clusters with LED daytime running lights and automatic projector headlights. The 200 has 17-inch wheels standard, with 19 inch alloy wheels also available, as is a dual-pane panoramic sunroof.

The 200 starts at around $23,000 and ranges to about $33,000.

For a midsize sedan with modern styling and some nice tech features, the 200 is worthy of consideration.

First Look: 2016 Chevrolet Equinox

For the 2016 model year, the Chevrolet Equinox gets new styling that features a redesigned front and some updates to the interior. Also new are the 17 and 18-inch wheel designs. But fear not if you liked the previous version of the Equinox, because this is not a radical departure from that styling.

This compact crossover SUV seats five people in two rows of seating. It's pretty comfortable given its compact body styling, with front seating having ample head and leg room. Rear seats are best for kids or shorter folks, but it's not too cramped back there.

Chevy has added the 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot capability standard via OnStar on this model of the Equinox. That has become a popular feature that enables users to get online anytime, anywhere. In fact, when Chevy showed this model to a group of journalists recently in Solvang, Calif., one of the reporters got an urgent message from her editor that she needed to file a story ASAP. The beautiful ranch setting that we were visiting made for a peaceful and scenic venue, but high tech it was not. It was very difficult to get a mobile phone signal or Internet access.

No problem, Chevy officials said. They used the Wi-Fi hotspot capability of one of the Equinoxes that was on display, allowing the reporter to boot up her laptop in the back seat, and next thing you know, she's filing her story right on deadline.

Chevy retains the powertrains of the Equinox from the last version, featuring two engine choices: a 2.4-liter four-cylinder that makes 182 horsepower or a 3.6-liter V-6 that makes 301 ponies. We did not get a chance to drive the latter, but we can say with all confidence that the four-banger is plenty powerful. In fact, when we drove one of the four-bangers, a Chevy official riding along said that it was the six-cylinder, and we were totally convinced he was right, until we got back to the ranch and checked out the vehicle's paperwork and saw that it was, in fact, a four-cylinder.

The only transmission in the Equinox is a six-speed automatic. Front-wheel drive is standard, with an optional all-wheel drive system available. Gas mileage is rated at 22 mpg city, 32 highway for the four-cylinder and 20 and 29 for the V-6.

On the inside, there is a newly added storage self in the center console and a new graphic system in the infotainment program. There are also optional tablet holders that hang over the front seats, allowing passengers in the back seats to play games or watch videos. On the outside, the front end gets a grille that is more prominent and on LT and LTZ models there are LED daytime running lights and optional large fog lights. Other options include power liftgate and power sunroof.

Equinox trim levels for the 2016 model year come in L, LS, LT, and LTZ categories. They each come with different levels of available options such as navigation, heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control and leather upholstery.

The Equinox starts at around $23,000 and tops out right near $33,000.

For a practical crossover SUV that would be suitable for small families, the Equinox is filling an important market segment and should continue to do well.

Money Matters in Buying a Used Car

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• If you're buying a used car, your first step should be to figure out what you can afford. Consider the cash value of the car you're selling. Calculate any additional down payment. Then determine a monthly payment that fits your budget. Experts suggest a maximum of five years for car loans. You can check an auto loan calculator.
• Determine market values in your region. Consult websites such as the USAA Car Buying Service, Kelley Blue Book and TrueCar.
• Get an auto insurance quote to help determine the true cost of ownership but note that collision and comprehensive coverage generally costs less for used cars.
• Look for low loan rates. Financial institutions such as credit unions might offer lower interest rates than a car dealer.
• Get preapproved. That can help simplify the negotiation process.

Buying a teen a car? Check these tips

You might be considering buying a teenager in your life his or her first car for a gift this year. If so, there are a few factors to consider. While you may think bigger is better when it comes to safety for a young driver, that’s not always the case. Here are a few tips:

• Steer clear of both compact cars and large sport utility vehicles or minivans, which may be more difficult for inexperienced teen drivers to control.

• Look for high safety ratings, which may also help reduce your teen’s insurance premiums in those early driving years

• Opt for electronic stability control, which has become standard on most cars since 2010 and helps drivers maintain control on curves and slippery roads.

Of course, a safe car doesn't replace safe driving. Look for in-vehicle tools that can help promote safe driving habits at here at Coaching Young Drivers.

Growing concern over risky auto loans

The federal Office of the Comptroller of the Currency is growing increasingly concerned about unprecedented gains in auto loans, increased delinquencies and decreasing value of used cars. A number of lending institutions have eased their standards for loans as they try to stay competitive against peers, leading to growth in unqualified borrowers receiving auto loans and then defaulting on them.

A recent report by the OCC said that some banks may soon face financial stress due to the increase in issues related to auto loans, although it did not name any specific lenders. Some banks have also voiced concern over the issue. According to news reports, Jamie Dimon of JPMorgan Chase has gone on record as saying that the auto loan industry is starting to look "stretched" and fears that lenders will soon see the repercussions of making too many subprime loans. Fitch Ratings reported that the industry is seeing the highest number of delinquent loans since 1996.

The growing delinquencies in auto loans may hit the biggest auto loan makers in the U.S., such as Wells Fargo and Ally Financial, especially hard unless they take steps to avoid making as many risky loans.