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.