2019 Kia Forte: New Styling, Surprising Performance

Small sedans have held steady in the automotive market, thanks to their good fuel efficiency and typically low price tags. A strong competitor in this segment is the 2019 Kia Forte.
For this model year, it has been given a revised look, with more angular and sleeker body styling. 
The Forte comes in four trim levels: FE, LX, S and EX, which our tester was. 
The Forte's power plant is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 147 horsepower and is linked to a six-speed manual or automatic transmission (tester was automatic). Fuel economy is rated at 30 mpg city, 40 highway with the automatic, and 27 and 37 in the manual. 
Driving dynamics were surprisingly nimble for this type of small sedan. At times, it truly felt as if it had a little sports car DNA in it. The steering system uses sensors to adapt to the lane lines on the highway. That takes a bit of getting used to, but once you become comfortable, it's a nice convenience. 
Don't tell anybody, but for a short stretch of highway driving, we took our hands off the wheel and the Forte performed just fine, that is, before flashing a message on the dashboard to "Keep hands on the wheel." Ok, just checking.
Pricing for the Forte starts at around $19,000, but our highest trim tester carried a sticker of $26,515. That might seem a little high for a non-luxury subcompact, but the features and the cool styling make a solid case for it being a decent value.
As compact sedans go, the Forte has just about everything you might be looking for. 

2018 Ford EcoSport: Small and Efficient, with Big Value

The small crossover market has become one of the auto industry's most popular segments in recent years. So much so that a number of automakers are announcing plans to significantly reduce production of small and midsize cars. Ford is one such brand, and it can point to its 2018 Ford EcoSport as justification for the strategy shift. 
The EcoSport is a new subcompact SUV with seating for five. It is available in four trim levels: S, SE, SES and Titanium, which our tester was. 
The SES model is promoted by Ford as the sportiest, design-wise, and features distinctive style cues. 
The EcoSport has two engines available: a turbocharged three-cylinder EcoBoost (also offered in the Fiesta and Focus, which are going away). It is linked to a six-speed automatic transmission. 
The other engine is a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter four-cylinder with standard all-wheel drive, which was found in our tester. 
Fuel economy is rated at 23 mpg city, 29 highway for the four-cylinder.
Driving the EcoSport proved pleasant enough, as its small size made it easy to handle and its visibility was good. However, it was slightly lacking in power, as one might expect. This isn't a deal breaker, though, just something to be mindful of when merging onto a busy freeway with a tractor trailer bearing down. 
In an unusual touch, Ford went back to the swing out gate for the rear, instead of the nearly ubiquitous upward opening gate found on most crossovers today. Not quite sure the rationale behind that, because the swing gate occupies more space in places like tight garages. Perhaps just trying to be different. The interior of the EcoSport has a standing 8-inch touchscreen in the middle of the dash that includes Ford's latest Sync 3 multimedia system, standard on the Titanium models. Lower trim levels have a 4-inch or 6-inch screen in the same area. 
Ford says Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are offered, as well as the FordPass app that connects the vehicle's systems through smartphone. The Titanium model features a Harman - B&O sound system called B&O Play, a 675-watt premium audio system featuring 10 speakers, including a subwoofer.
Storage is ample in the cozy EcoSport, with up to 30 cubbies, hooks and storage bins in the cabin. The second-row seats fold and stow to provide extra cargo room. There's also a false floor board in the cargo area to create a place for larger items. 
Pricing on the tester was listed at $25,485, but remember that it is at the high end of the trim levels, so a lower level one would presumably be significantly less.
For a practical, fuel efficient small crossover, the EcoSport presents a strong offering. 

2019 Ford Expedition: Large SUV Excellence

Cavernous SUVs, such as the 2019 Ford Expedition, are popular because you can haul the soccer team, a load of groceries and maybe even the dog, all at once. 
And in the case of this Expedition, you get a pretty smooth ride with some luxury touches on the interior. 
There are three trims available: XLT, Limited and Platinum, which our tester was. 
The Platinum is powered by a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 engine that makes 400 horsepower and 280 pounds-feet of torque and is linked to a 10-speed automatic transmission. Horsepower drops to 375 for the other two trim levels.  
The Expedition seats up to eight passengers in three rows. The top cargo capacity is 104.6 cubic feet when you fold the rear seats down.
In addition to being spacious, the interior offers comfortable seating with good leg and head room. At the foot of the dashboard is a convenient storage area where you can charge your mobile phone. We had a little trouble getting the cover to stay open, though. 
The dash is well organized and bright for easy access to the controls. 
On the exterior, styling is fairly reserved, but it's still attractive. The keyless entry feature is convenient, but we had some trouble locking the vehicle with the touch pad on the door handle. We had to pull the key out of our pocket many times and hit the button (horrors!). 
But the ride is smooth. Acceleration is rapid for a vehicle this size, but appropriately under control. The Expedition doesn't ride nearly as heavy as you might suspect. 
Fuel economy is rated at 17 mpg city, 22 highway. 
All in all, this is a great vehicle for those in the market for a full-size SUV. 

2019 Ford Mustang GT Premium: Muscle-Car Magic

They might not be the most practical vehicles, but muscle cars sure can be a lot of fun. Such is the case with the 2019 Ford Mustang, which offers strong performance and a sleek body style. 
There are four trim levels offered, including the EcoBoost, EcoBoost Premium, GT and GT Premium, which our tester was. 
The GT Premium is powered by a 5.0-liter V-8 engine that makes 460 horsepower and 420 pounds-feet of torque. It is mated to a six-speed manual transmission and features standard rear-wheel drive. 
The EcoBoost models feature a standard 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder linked to a six-speed manual or optional 10-speed automatic. Horsepower is rated at 310.
The GT Premium handled with agility, accelerated powerfully and shifted smoothly.
Seating in the front is comfortable, but for the driver, visibility can be a bit of a challenge. Rear seating is only for tiny passengers. 
Fuel economy is rated at 15 mpg city, 25 highway. 
The sticker price was $49,370.
If you're looking for some muscle-car magic, check out the Ford Mustang.

Bogota, Colombia - Mountainous and Majestic

We recently visited beautiful Bogota, Colombia. This city nestled in the mountains is attractive and friendly.

Bogota's neighborhoods are clean and welcoming.

By foot or by automobile, it is pleasant to tour Bogota and to see all of its attractions.

2019 Ford F-150 Raptor: Powerful and Smooth

The 2019 Ford F-150 Raptor is a large, powerful truck that rides smoothly and is plenty capable of handling work projects. 

It is powered by a twin-turbo 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6, delivering 450 horsepower and 510 pounds-feet of torque from 3,500 rpm. That type of power enables it to reach 60 mph in about five seconds. The 10-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly and efficiently. 

Fuel economy is rated at 15 mpg city, 18 highway. Four-wheel drive is standard. The Raptor rides smoothly despite, or maybe because of, its weight of more than 5,500 pounds.

The interior is cavernous. There is ample head room and leg room in the front and back seat areas. The back seat bench even features head rests - a baby one in the middle flanked by larger ones on both sides. The back seating area is so comfortable you can expect passengers to want to come ride in it frequently. 

The interior is designed with luxury and utility in mind. The trim is attractive, as are the Recaro leather seats, a new feature for this model year. And as you might expect, the large center console has ample room to store a laptop or other goods that you might want to tote. 

The sticker price on the model we tested, which was fully loaded out, was around $69,000.

As an attractive and functional truck, the Ford Raptor makes a strong statement.

  

Hawaii: A True Paradise

A recent visit to Hawaii was time spent in paradise. The natural beauty was breathtaking, and the culture was fascinating. Pictured above is Chinaman Hat Mountain off the north shore of Oahu.

In the distance is Diamondhead. The boat trip that took us there featured several sightings of sea turtles.

The north shore of Oahu is beautiful. This area is near the location where Jurassic Park was shot, as well as the TV series "Fantasy Island."

2018 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited: Updated Look, Same Ruggedness

With a styling refresh, the 2018 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited has a bit of a new look as it reaches its fourth generation.
This model aims to provide a smoother ride but still maintain its ability to be a tough vehicle that can go off road.  
The Wrangler Unlimited comes in three trim levels: the Sport, Sahara and Rubicon.
The power plant on this four-door model is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine that makes 268 horsepower and is linked to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Also available is a 3.6-liter V-6 engine that makes 285 horsepower and is linked to a six-speed manual transmission and four-wheel drive. 
Fuel economy on the four-cylinder is rated at 17 mpg city, 23 highway. 
Pricing starts at around $32,000 and ranges to about $42,000.

Sensational San Diego

Atlanta Auto Examiner recently ventured to San Diego to take in some beautiful scenery and pleasant weather.

San Diego's Gaslamp district offers many options for dining and entertainment.

San Diego and the Pacific Ocean make for a pleasant pairing to relax and enjoy life.

San Francisco - Bay Area beauty

Atlanta Auto Examiner recently enjoyed time in beautiful San Francisco. Pictured is the famous TransAmerica building.

San Francisco offers dramatic hills as part of its distinctive landscape.

The famous Alcatraz Prison landmark is one of San Francisco's best known attractions.

New 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe on Display

Atlanta-area auto journalists got a sneak peek at the new 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe small crossover this week. The Santa Fe seats up to five and offers a surprisingly roomy interior. Pricing starts at around $26,000 and ranges close to $40,000.

Toronto: A North American Jewel

Toronto is a jewel of a North American city, rich with culture, history and natural and created beauty. Our recent visit included a tour about an hour and a half outside the city to Niagara Falls. We also got to take in part of a ball game at the Rogers Centre, featuring Major League Baseball's Blue Jays, playing the rival New York Yankees.

2018 Atlanta Concours d'Elegance Coming in September

The 2018 Atlanta Concours d'Elegance A Concours d’Elegance is not a run-of-the-mill car show. It is best described by its 17th Century origins when French aristocrats paraded horse-drawn carriages in Paris parks during summer weekends and holidays. Carriages became automobiles, and these affairs became ‘competitions of elegance’ where judges reviewed entrants to select the 'Best of Show' winner. The Atlanta Concours d’Elegance is a full weekend of activities amongst the elegant splendor of Château Élan Winery and Resort; priceless, rare, seldom seen, and beautiful rolling works of art; and enthusiasts adorned in period fashion. September 2018 29-30 Need media or photographer credentials? Click here. REGISTER

WHAT ELSE: More than 180 museum-quality 1900 to 1968 automobiles, including over 75 pre-war and brass era examples on the Sunday Concours show field that embody the ‘art of the car.’ Rare examples from national museums and collections such as Evergreen Historic Automobiles, Stahls Automotive Foundation, the Gilmore Car Museum, the Elliott Museum, and the Lane Auto Museum. “The Magnificent Seven” – Seven exceptional cars from Saturday’s “Classics & Coffee at the Chateau” exhibition field selected for Sunday’s Concours competition. Manufacturers Row featuring the latest from Mercedes-Benz, Bentley,  Ferrari, Maserati, Panoz, Lexus, Lamborghini, Cadillac, Aston Martin, Karma and Porsche, with several brands offering test drives. Automobile Artists Market, Best of Atlanta food trucks, and Shepherd Center showcase of innovative mobility solutions for the disabled. WHERE: Château Élan Winery and Resort The stunningly beautiful 3,500-acre French country style estate just northeast of Metro Atlanta (I-85 North, Exit 126). 100 Rue Charlemagne Braselton, Georgia 30517 WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 29 – 9 am to 2 pm Sunday, Sept 30 – 9 am to 4 pm HOW: Purchase tickets here: http://atlantaconcours.org/event-tickets/. Full weekend admission starts at only $65! Entering a vehicle? Register here: http://atlantaconcours.org/go/registration/  Want to be an Atlanta Concours d"Elegance sponsor? Contact Bill Wallet, 770-321-7028, wwallet@gmail.com.

2018 Nissan Versa: Good Value and Fuel Efficiency

EL PASO, Texas -- With seating for five, the 2018 Nissan Versa is a subcompact sedan that gets good fuel economy and provides a solid value. 
The Versa comes in four trim levels: the S, S+, SV, and SL.
We test drove the Versa in beautiful El Paso, Texas, where we zipped around town efficiently and saw the sites along the USA-Mexico border. 
The Versa features a standard 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 109 horsepower and, in the S trim level, is linked to a five-speed manual transmission or four-speed automatic. The other trim levels use a Xtronic continuously variable transmission.
Fuel economy is rated at 27 mpg city, 36 highway in the S trim, and 31 and 39 in the other trims.
The interior is cozy, as you might expect in a subcompact, but it does not lack for comfort. Seating is pleasant and there is good head room. 
The affordable Versa starts at around $14,000 and ranges to about $18,000.

Chevy Shows off Latest Versions of Three Crossovers

Atlanta area automotive media members got a look at three popular crossover vehicles from Chevrolet recently. The Chevy Traverse (top) has been restyled to give it a sleeker look, and with its attractive interior, it should draw shoppers looking for a family vehicle.
The Chevy Equinox (middle) is a midsize vehicle that offers versatility.
The Chevy Trax (bottom) is a compact vehicle that does well with fuel efficiency.
Chevrolet touts the technology features offered in each vehicle. One such feature is the rear mirror camera, which allows the driver to have a view similar to what would be given from the rear view mirror, even if the back cargo area is loaded up with goods.

2018 Kia Soul: Good Value, Roomy Interior

With plenty of interior cabin room and ample cargo space, the 2018 Kia Soul is a tough competitor in the small crossover/wagon market.
The cabin of the Soul offers quality materials and a comfortable setting for passengers. Driving dynamics are solid, although the base engine is slightly underpowered. That base engine is a 1.6-liter four-cylinder that makes 130 horsepower and gets 25 mpg city, 30 highway. There is also a 2.0-liter four-cylinder that gets the same fuel economy. The turbo model is a 1.6-liter four-cylinder that gets 26 and 31 mpg and makes 201 horsepower. It would probably be the preferred choice.
The Soul competes effectively in its class against rivals largely because of the value proposition. Pricing starts at around $17,000. It ranges as high as around $35,000, but to pay that much you would be getting one of the recently introduced Soul EVs (electric vehicle) with fancy technology that drives up the price.
Available options on the Soul include an infotainment system and driver assistance features. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are also available, as is the turbocharged engine mentioned above.

Showtime: The 36th Annual Atlanta International Auto Show is Here

By TAMAR LEAK SUBER

If you're in the market for a new ride, are an auto lover or simply want a fun-filled, family friendly activity, look no further than the 36th annual 2018 Atlanta International Auto Show, which takes place March 21-25th at The Georgia World Congress Center in downtown Atlanta.

The show, presented by the Metro Atlanta Automobile Dealers Association, is a car enthusiast's utopia, featuring more than 25 different lines of cars and trucks that suit every budget. Vehicles featured include but are not limited to exotics, luxury rides, hybrids, family cars, and economy autos.

Factory and dealer reps from participating lines from A-V will be available to interact with guests and represent many of the companies exhibiting at the show including Audi, Alfa Romeo, Fiat, Kia, Lexus and Volkswagen.

Other highlights of the event include a display of a number of 2019 pre-production vehicles, concept cars, and special feature automobiles like the Ford Mustang Bullitt, Subaru Ascent, Nissan Kicks and many others, as well as a return visit from Caffeine & Exotics' display of high performance vehicles, ride and drive events from a variety of auto makers, and guest appearances by Scooby Doo and Marvel Super Heroes Spider-Man and Black Panther.

 First responders, veterans, seniors, and college students with identification all qualify for a discount on the $12.00 admission. Children 12 and under are half price and kids under 6 are free. The Atlanta International  Auto Show is the perfect place to shop for a new car, save money and time, and entertain kids and car buffs alike.

2018 Hyundai Elantra: Tough Competitor among Compacts

With new trim offerings and great fuel efficiency, the 2018 Hyundai Elantra is a tough competitor in the compact sedan market. 
The Elantra now comes in five trims: SE, Value Edition, Eco, Sport and Limited.
Under the hood of the SE and Limited models is a standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 147 horsepower and is linked a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. The Eco features a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder that makes 128 horsepower and is mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. The Sport comes with a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder that makes 201 horsepower and has a six-speed manual or optional seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.
Gas mileage for the SE manual is rated by EPA at 26 mpg city, 36 highway. The automatic gets 29 and 38. The Eco rates at 32 and 40 mpg, and the manual Sport ranks lowest at 22 and 33 mpg. The automatic Sport gets 26 and 33 mpg.
Styling for the Elantra is largely unchanged from last model year, with a sizable, hexagon-shaped grille up front with narrow headlights. The angular theme continues at the back end, with a sculpted design. 
The Elantra comes standard with LED daytime running lights, power side mirrors and 15-inch wheels. Options include HID headlights, heated side mirrors, LED taillights, hands-free smart trunk, a power moonroof, chrome exterior accents and 16-inch alloy wheels.
The Sport version also has slightly different, more athletic styling cues. 
The inside of the Elantra is not fancy, but does offer some sporty touches. The well-designed center stack has a standard audio system with MP3 playback and a USB port. Optional is a 7- or 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity for phone and audio, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, BlueLink connect services for emergencies, security, and diagnostics and an Infinity premium audio system. Leather seating, dual-zone automatic climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a power driver’s seat, heated front seats, and heated rear seats are comfort options. 
The Elantra is not the peppiest thing you'll drive, but it gets the job done when merging on to a crowded freeway or passing a tractor trailer. But what it might lack in spirited driving, it makes up for in practicality, a far more important character trait. 
The Elantra starts at around $17,000 and ranges to about $23,000.
It is a solid competitor in the compact sedan market. 

2018 Toyota Highlander: Versatility and Attractive Styling

With seating for up to eight people, the 2018 Toyota Highlander makes perfect sense as a family vehicle that offers attractive styling and nice features.
The Highlander is powered by a standard 2.7-liter V-6 engine that makes 185 horsepower and is linked to a seven-speed automatic transmission. Also available is a 3.5-liter direct injection V-6 engine that makes 295 horsepower and is linked to a continuously variable transmission.
Fuel economy is rated at 21 mpg city, 27 highway with the standard front wheel drive, or 19 and 24 with the optional all wheel drive.
The Highlander comes in six trim levels: the LE, LE Plus, XLE, SE, Limited and Limited Platinum.
As for safety, the Highlander receives an overall rating of five stars, the best, with a frontal crash rating of four stars and a side crash rating of five stars.
Families will appreciate the versatility of the Highlander, with more than adequate cargo space and comfortable seating.
The Highlander starts at around $32,000 and ranges to just over $48,000.
For versatility and attractive styling, this midsize crossover is an excellent choice.

2018 Nissan Rogue: Filling its Role Nicely

The 2018 Nissan Rogue competes in the hugely popular compact SUV market. 
It offers seating for up to seven passengers in the third row configuration.
Under the hood, there is a standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 170 horsepower and is linked to a continuously variable automatic transmission. 
Front-wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel drive optional.
Fuel economy is good, with the FWD version rated at 26 mpg city, 33 highway. The AWD version is rated at 25 and 32.
Three trim levels are offered: the S, SV and SL.
The Rogue handles nicely and offers a comfortable ride. While the CVT has been criticized in the past, it seems to have improved over the past few model years. It no longer seems to be always "searching" for the proper gear. 
Interior space is presented efficiently, and most passengers will find a comfortable amount of head- and leg room, despite the Rogue being compact. 
Exterior styling is good, too, with the design similarities to Nissan's other SUVs, the Murano and Pathfinder, clearly evident. 
The Rogue starts at around $25,000 and ranges to about $34,000.
For a compact, versatile SUV, the Rogue plays its role nicely. 

2018 Nissan Altima: A Good Fit among Midsize Sedans

The 2018 Nissan Altima remains a worthy choice among midsize family sedans. It is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 179 horsepower and is linked to a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive.
There are four trim levels: the S, SR, SV and SL. The SR and SL models feature an optional 3.5-liter V-6 engine that makes 270 horsepower, mated to the same transmission.
Driving dynamics are solid, and even though not everyone is a huge fan of the CVT, it seems to have improved over the past few years and doesn't have so much of the "gear uncertainty" that drew criticism in the past.
The roominess of the interior is also impressive because the Altima, as a midsize sedan, seems more like a large sedan. Front and rear seat passengers get ample headroom and leg room.
Pricing for the Altima starts at around $24,000 and ranges to about $34,000.
The Altima offers attractive styling, solid driving dynamics and an overall good value. 

Tips for Winter Motoring

1. Change your engine oil.

Oil gets thicker in cold temperatures, so if the temperature regularly drops below freezing where you live, switch to thinner engine oil. If your oil becomes too thick and goopy, it won’t do a good job of lubricating your car’s engine. Check your owner’s manual for specific oil recommendations.

2. Check coolant levels.

It may seem counterintuitive to be thinking about coolants this time of the year, but your car’s coolant also keeps the engine from freezing up in the winter. Half coolant, half water is the typical mix.

3. Check your tire tread.

If the tread on your tires is getting low (use a tread depth gauge or simply a penny to check tread depth yourself), it’s time for new tires. All-season tires work well in light to moderately snowy conditions, but if you live in an area with heavy wintry weather, seasonal snow tires with nubs that bite into the snow or ice may be the smartest option. Think twice about mixing snow and regular tires, though, because uneven wear and performance can leave your traction dangerously imbalanced.

4. Air up your tires.

Did you know that cold weather can affect your tire pressure? Every 10 degrees Fahrenheit that the temperature outside drops, your car tires lose about one pound per square inch of pressure. Check your owner’s manual for the recommended pressures for your car.

5. Get your brakes inspected. 

Slippery winter conditions will demand precise braking. Have your brakes inspected to make sure they’re ready to keep you safely on the road this winter.

6. Get your belts and hoses inspected. 

Belts and hoses can break or tear more easily in cold temperatures. Have them checked for wear and tear before the weather turns severe.

7. Check your battery and battery cables.

Avoid getting stuck at the store on a snowy day by making sure your battery is in good shape. Check that the cables are firmly attached, and use a stiff wire brush to clean away corrosion on the posts or connections. If your battery isn’t the sealed type, open it up and check the water level inside. If it needs water, refill it with distilled water. If you’ve had your battery for a couple of years, ask your local garage to test its ability to hold a charge.

8. Clear the view out of the car.

Check to make sure your windshield washer fluid contains antifreeze to keep it from freezing, and keep an ice scraper at hand for clearing away snow and ice from your windshield and windows. Replace your windshield wiper blades if they’re worn or torn.

9. Restock your roadside emergency kit.

If you don’t already keep an emergency kit in your trunk, the prospect of being stranded in a winter storm makes putting one together now a smart idea. The typical roadside emergency kit includes: a blanket, extra gloves, an extra set of warm clothes and boots, a plastic jug of water and some food, a flashlight, a first aid kit, paper towels, spare windshield wipers, flares, jumper cables, a basic tool kit, tire chains, a tire gauge, a fully aired spare tire and tire-changing equipment, a small shovel, and a bag of something like sand, salt, or kitty litter to sprinkle on the ground to add traction if you get stuck.

-PFCU