2019 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV: A Good Way to Go Green

In the ever popular world of small SUVs, one of the key drawing points is fuel economy. This week's test model, the 2019 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, can certainly lay claim to being a leader in that space.
The Outlander PHEV is a plug-in hybrid version of the traditional Outlander. 
Under the hood is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 190 horsepower and a 60-kW electric motor linked to a single-speed automatic transmission.
All-wheel drive is included. 
There are two trim levels: SEL and GT, which our tester was.
The EPA estimates the Outlander PHEV's total driving range to be 310 miles, with a pure electric range of 22 miles. 
That's pretty impressive. 
The interior is comfortable, even though it's not hugely spacious. Our tester had plush leather seats, dual zone climate control and touch screen audio on the center dashboard.
The Outlander PHEV accelerates better than you might expect, with solid braking and handling. 
Pricing starts at over $36,000 with our top of the line tester going for $42,625.
If you're looking for a small SUV with green credentials, the Outlander PHEV is worth a glance.

Beautiful Brazil - Rio de Janeiro

A recent visit to Rio de Janeiro included a trip to Sugarloaf Mountain. The beautiful site can be accessed via cable cars that give breathtaking views of this magnificent city.

The scenic city of Rio has so much to offer, visually and culturally. This view from above gives a glance at the amazing vantage points.

2019 Mazda CX-9: Smooth, Spacious and Smart

With a spacious interior, luxurious styling and good fuel efficiency, the 2019 Mazda CX-9 is a formidable competitor in the SUV market. 
The CX-9 provides seating for up to seven passengers across three rows. The roominess of the interior is striking, as technically the CX-9 is considered a midsize SUV. But when you experience its cavernous space, it seems much more like a large SUV.
Under the hood, the CX-9 features a standard turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 250 horsepower and is linked to a six-speed automatic transmission. 
Front-wheel drive comes standard, with all-wheel drive optional. 
Fuel economy is rated at 22 mpg city, 28 highway for front-wheel drive models and 20 and 26 for all-wheel drive.
The CX-9 offers four trim levels: Sport, Touring, Grand Touring and Signature, which our test drive model was.
Amenities in the Signature model included leather seating, three-zone climate control, HD radio and side mirror safety notification when a vehicle is close by in the lane on either side.
The CX-9 offers smooth handling and steady acceleration, as we've come to expect from Mazda and its famous Zoom-Zoom mantra.
The CX-9 starts at around $34,000 and tops out at the price of our tester, which was $47,285.
For a spacious SUV with a great set of amenities, the CX-9 offers an appealing choice. 

2019 Toyota C-HR: Small Crossover Offers Big Value

Crossovers have gained substantial popularity in recent years, but within that trend, there has become something of a sub-trend, if you will: the popularity of subcompact crossovers. 
This week's test drive vehicle fits into that category.
The 2019 Toyota C-HR offers seating for five and has a maximum cargo capacity of 36.4 cubic feet with the rear-seat folded down.

It comes in three trim levels: LE, XLE and Limited, which our tester was.
Under the hood, the C-HR features a standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 144 horsepower and is linked to a continuously variable transmission and front-wheel drive.
Fuel economy is rated at 27 mpg city, 31 highway by the EPA. 
When you first see the C-HR, you are struck by how truly small it appears. But then you get in the vehicle, and you're struck by how much room you actually have in the cabin. 
We took a nice holiday-weekend getaway trip in the CH-R (see below post), and the three of us all fit in nicely, along with our bags. No one was uncomfortable.
Driving dynamics are pretty good, with more than adequate pickup and responsive handling. 
And the styling of the vehicle, especially the exterior, is distinctive. Sports car vibes meet subcompact looks with a little bit of SUV influence thrown in. 
The C-HR starts at around $23,000, with our topped-out model carrying a sticker price of $29,643.
It's not entirely clear why the subcompact crossover market has burgeoned as it has. Maybe it's because folks want the great fuel economy of a subcompact car, but with a little more interior room.
If that's the case, the Toyota C-HR fits the build beautifully. 

Great Place for a Getaway: Abingdon, Va.

The scenic Holston River just outside Abingdon, Va., is a perfect spot for getting away from it all and enjoying the beauty of nature.

This historic building in Abingdon's downtown has served many purposes over the past couple of centuries. It has been a civil war hospital, a residence and currently is the site of The Tavern, an upscale dining spot offering gourmet food and drinks.

Georgia’s Clean Air Force Offers Seven Key Guidelines for Buying a Pre-Owned Vehicle

According to a 2017 used car market report, three out of four automotive sales in the United States involve a pre-owned vehicle. Since Georgia motorists rely so heavily on their cars for transportation, choosing the right pre-owned automobile is important. Utilizing the best resources can help with this decision.

Georgia’s Clean Air Force, in partnership with the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD), offers seven expert tips to help motorists in the market for a pre-owned vehicle.

“Prior to buying a pre-owned vehicle, it’s imperative that consumers research its history. Researching a potential buy can save you time and money later,” said Michael Odom, Mobile & Area Sources Program Manager, Georgia EPD.

• Obtain a Free Vehicle Inspection Report (VIR). To view a free summary of the most recent vehicleinspection reports, motorists should visit www.cleanairforce.com/motorists/vir-reprints/. This report informs you if the vehicle has had a valid, passing emissions inspection performed within the last 12 months.  
• Ask for a Carfax Report. Carfax reports give you the history of the vehicle, letting you know if the vehicle has been involved in an accident or other negative event. When you’re ready to buy, check to see if the dealership will run this report for you. If not, you can easily run a report by visiting www.carfax.com.
• Research the Dealer. Knowing who you are purchasing a pre-owned vehicle from is a vital step in the buying process. By reading reviews for any dealerships or sellers, you can eliminate those that are untrustworthy or have negative comments posted about the vehicles they sell.
• Acquire a Pre-Purchase Inspection. Employ a trusted third party to perform a pre-purchase inspection. 
• Take a Mechanic to a Private Sale. Bring a trusted mechanic with you to a private sale so you don’t drive home with a lemon.
• Complete an On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) Test. Not sure what this entails? An on-board diagnostic (OBD) test scans the vehicle for specific codes that indicate when the vehicle had certain repairs, or if it has undergone recommended preventative maintenance services. This is helpful information to know when determining what kind of damage or work has been done in the past.
• Choose Your County Wisely. Sellers located outside of metro Atlanta’s 13-county testing area are not required to provide a passing emissions test at the time of sale. You should take this into consideration if you reside in one of the 13 counties where passing an annual emissions test is required.

For additional information or to download an infographic on tips for buying a pre-owned vehicle, visit the Georgia’s Clean Air Force website at http://www.cleanairforce.com.