Sneak Peek at 2018 Honda Accord

Honda showed off its newly revised 2018 Accord midsize sedan to media in Atlanta recently. It has stylish looks that are more distinctive than the Accords of the past. It seeks to remain a top-selling vehicle, amid more and more competition from crossover SUVs. We hope to provide a full driving review soon.

2017 Honda Pilot: Versatile and Reliable

With seating for up to eight people and five trim levels, the 2017 Honda Pilot is one of the more versatile mid-size SUVs on the market. 
The Pilot was fully revamped last year to bring it more in line with the look of its smaller sibling vehicle, the CR-V compact SUV. The lower front area has black underbody trim and the headlight clusters and front grille form somewhat of a triangular shape. Optional equipment includes front fog lights, LED headlights, roof rails, 20-inch alloy wheels, a power liftgate and panoramic moonroof. 
The Pilot's trim levels are the LX, EX, EX-L, Touring and Elite.
The standard engine is a 3.5-liter V-6 that makes 280 horsepower and is linked to a six-speed automatic transmission. The Touring and Elite models come with a nine-speed automatic. Front-wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel drive optional. For better fuel economy, the engine operates with cylinder deactivation, and the Touring and Elite models have start/stop engine capability to boost efficiency. 
Fuel economy is rated at 18 mpg city, 26 highway with all-wheel drive and 20 and 27 with front-wheel drive.
The interior is comfortable and functional. The second row of seats comes as either a bench or two captain’s chairs. The bench can be easily folded down with the touch of a button to provide more cargo space. The third row seating is more compact, but still is suitable for children. 
Optional features in the EX model include HondaLink infotainment with Pandora internet radio, an extra USB port, HomeLink remote, an upgraded eight-inch display screen and tri-zone automatic climate control. Other optional amenities include heated/ventilated front seats, leather upholstery, navigation, acoustic glass for a quieter cabin, Blu-ray rear entertainment system and remote engine start. 
Safety technology on the Pilot includes LaneWatch and Honda Sensing, which provides a collision avoidance braking system, front crash warnings, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist and adaptive cruise control. 
The Pilot starts at around $31,000 and ranges to just shy of $49,000.
For a versatile, high-quality vehicle that is dependable, the Pilot is a great choice. 

2018 Hyundai Sonata: Smooth, Comfortable Sedan

The Hyundai Sonata midsize sedan deserves a great deal of credit for the Korean automaker's ascent into respected-brand territory a few years back. For the 2018 model year, the car gets some styling touch-ups and a new eight-speed automatic transmission. 
The new eight-speed transmission is found in the 2.0-liter turbo model. Overall, the Sonata has four global engines: two turbos that were found in the previous version, the Eco trim's 1.6-liter that makes 178 horsepower and the 2.0-liter that makes 245 ponies. 
On the outside, the latest Sonata has a larger grille featuring horizontal bars or mesh on the 2.0-liter turbo model, along with a large Hyundai logo. The hood gets a beefed up look as well. At the back there are new taillights and the license plate area is relocated to the new bumper, from the trunk. 
Additional styling touches on the 2.0-liter turbo include black headlight and daytime running light surrounds, a black lower front bumper, black side-mirror caps and dark-chrome trim.
The Sonata's interior features modified controls, a new steering wheel and an 8-inch display for the optional multimedia system with navigation. The 2.0-liter turbo version features a flat-bottom wheel and more bolstered seats. 
The Sonata provides a smooth ride with adequate acceleration and braking, just what most midsize sedan drivers would expect. And with the comfortable interior, it makes for a nice road trip car. 
The Sonata starts at around $23,000 and ranges to a little over $33,000.
If a smooth, comfortable, attractive midsize sedan is on your wish list, the Sonata is worth a look. 

2018 Hyundai Elantra: Value and Good Looks in a Small Sedan

The 2018 Hyundai Elantra is a zippy small sedan that is now available in five trim levels. 
The Elantra has a big hexagon-shaped grille with sporty, narrow headlights. The rear has a contoured shape with angled taillights that add to the sporty theme. 
There are five trim levels: the SE, Value Edition, Eco, Sport and Limited.
LED daytime running lights, power side mirrors and 15-inch wheels are standard features. Options include HID headlights, heated side mirrors, LED taillights, hands-free smart trunk, a power moonroof, chrome exterior accent and larger 16-inch alloy wheels.
The Elantra's SE and Limited trims have a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 147 horsepower and is linked to a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. The Eco trim is powered by a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder that makes 128 horsepower and is linked to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The Sport's engine is a, turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder that makes 201 horsepower and comes with a six-speed manual or optional seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.
Gas mileage for the SE with manual is rated at 26 mpg city, 36 highway. The automatic version is rated at 29 and 38. The Eco is rated at 32 and 40 mpg, and the Sport with manual is 22 and 33 mpg. The automatic Sport is 26 and 33 mpg.
The Elantra's interior is comfortable and nicely arranged..
Optional features include leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a power driver’s seat, heated front seats and heated rear seats. 
Driving dynamics are solid if not spectacular with the Elantra. Handling is good, Acceleration is adequate. 
But the best attributes of the Elantra are its fuel economy and comfort. It's an all-around good small sedan.
Pricing starts at about $17,000 and ranges to a bit over $23,000.
Value and good looks make the Elantra a solid competitor in the small sedan market.  

2018 Ram 1500: At Work or Play, it's Ready to Roll

The Ram 1500 is a formidable competitor in the light-duty, full-size pickup truck segment, quite capable of getting the job done on the work site or helping you haul your recreational equipment for weekend fun. 
The 1500 comes in three body types: regular cab, quad cab and crew cab. There are three cargo box lengths ranging from 5 ft., 7 in. to 8 ft. Engine choices include a V-6 or V-8 powered by gasoline or a V-6 in turbo diesel. 
New for this model year, there is a standard backup camera. Also, there is now available a high-end Limited Tungsten edition and farm-oriented Harvest edition of the 1500. Rebel versions are also available with a new leather interior option. 
For added storage capacity, it's hard to beat the RamBox cargo management system. It offers you lockable space for tools or other goods and adds to the convenience and functionality of the truck. 
On the interior, the optional 8.4-inch multimedia system has a higher-resolution touchscreen with pinch-to-zoom functionality. It can control HD Radio and the optional 4G LTE Wi-Fi system. 
It also supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity.
Another safety option is the emergency communication service provided by SiriusXM Guardian.
For extra convenience, there's now a switch in the cargo bed for the optional LED bed lights.
The 1500 starts at around $29,000 and ranges to about $55,000.
For a truck that lets you work hard and play hard, the Ram 1500 presents a viable option.

2017 Volkswagen Jetta: Small Sedan, Big Fun Factor

The 2017 Volkswagen Jetta remains a strong competitor in the compact sedan market, with its keen driving dynamics and roomy interior.
The Jetta is now available in four trim levels: S, SE, SEL and GLI. With its understated body styling, the GLI trim has a look highlighted by a bolder front fascia with a mesh pattern on the grille. But the Jetta maintains a look that never veers too far from its origins.
LED daytime running lights, power/heated side mirrors and 16-inch wheels are standard features. Options include a sport suspension, turn-signal indicators at the side mirrors, a rear spoiler, a power moonroof and 18-inch alloy wheels. 
The Jetta is powered by a choice of three turbocharged four-cylinder engines. The base is a 1.4-liter that makes 150 horsepower. The GLI has a 2.0-liter that makes 210 horsepower. Either can be linked to a five-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. The SEL features 1.8-liter that makes 170 horsepower and is mated to a six-speed automatic. 
Gas mileage is rated at 28 mpg city, 40 highway for the 1.4-liter models. The SEL is rated at 25 and 35, and the GLI is 23 and 33.
The Jetta features a two-tone cloth interior with a 60/40 split-folding rear seat. On the center console, there is a standard MIB II infotainment system that includes a 6.3-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity for phone and audio and a USB port. Optional is a navigation system, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, Car-Net App-Connect, voice recognition, an SD card reader and a Fender premium audio system. 
Volkswagen has long been known for its fun-to-drive factor, and this version of the Jetta certainly continues that. Whether it's out on the highway showing off its swift acceleration, or on a twisty back road displaying its deft handling, there is no shortage of joy in this ride. 
But VW has also battled for years against spotty reliability ratings. It's something to keep in mind when considering this brand. 
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety named the Jetta a Top Safety Pick Plus, and it garnered a full 5-star overall crash test safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Backup camera and a tire pressure monitoring system are among the standard safety features. Options include a blindspot warning system, rear cross-traffic alert, forward collision warning, automatic braking and adaptive cruise control.
The Jetta is priced starting around $18,000 and ranges to around $29,000. 
For a fun-to-drive compact sedan, the Jetta holds a great deal of appeal. 

First Glance: 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV

Chevrolet delivered on its pledge to produce a 200-mile electric car this year with the arrival of the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV. Chevy came to Atlanta recently to show off the Bolt to local automotive media. 
The highlights:

- It has a range capacity of an estimated 238 miles, eliminating the "range anxiety" that keeps a lot of people from buying all-electric cars.

- It costs around $37,000, but with federal incentives, the price drops to just a tad under $30,000.

- It seats five people, with no large hump in the middle where many electric cars have the battery storage area.

- Chevy calls the Bolt a crossover, rather than a hatchback. Either way, it's got five doors.

We did not get a chance to test drive the Bolt, but look forward to doing so soon, and will provide an update at that time. But it looks like Chevy might have a bit of a game changer on its hands.