Atlanta Auto Examiner

Monday, February 18, 2019

2019 Toyota 86: A Joyride Machine

Some cars are made for having fun, and that's all there is to it. You could say that about the 2019 Toyota 86.
This two-door, rear-wheel drive sports coupe is made on the chassis of the Subaru BRZ. Under the hood is a standard 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine that makes 205 horsepower and is linked to a six-speed manual transmission. A six-speed automatic is also available, with horsepower of 200.
The 86 comes in three trim levels: the base model, GT (which our tester was) and TRD Special Edition.
The manual transmission in the 86 shifted relatively smoothly. Acceleration was solid, but not overpowering. Handling was good, as it seemed to embrace curves nicely.
Taller and larger drivers would probably do well to avoid this car because interior space is very limited. There are two seats in the back, but they really aren't to be occupied by humans.
Fuel economy is rated at 21 mpg city, 28 highway.
Styling is attractive, with flowing lines that convey motion.
Our tester came with a sticker price of $30,949.
The 86 is a pretty good joyride car that is reasonably priced.

Friday, February 8, 2019

2019 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport: Good Comfort, Solid Ride

One of the fastest growing automotive segments is the small SUV category, of which this week's tester, the 2019 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport, is a member.
It offers seating for five and has a maximum cargo capacity of 49.5 cubic feet.
It comes in three trim levels: ES, SE and GT.
Under the hood of the Outlander Sport is a standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 148 horsepower and is linked to a five-speed manual transmission or a continuously variable automatic transmission.
An optional engine is 2.4-liter four-cylinder that makes 168 horsepower and 167 pounds-feet of torque and comes with the CVT. That engine was featured in our test model.
Front-wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel drive being optional.
Fuel economy on the 2.4-liter is rated at 23 mpg city, 28 highway. That's disappointing for a vehicle this small; other competitors in the segment do better.
Driving dynamics were solid, with adequate acceleration and firm braking.
Comfort-wise, the Outlander Sport is not bad. While the cabin doesn't offer a whole lot of room, head room and leg room are mostly adequate, and the seats were comfortable.
Our test model carried a sticker price of $28,160.
The Outlander Sport provides a solid ride and comfortable interior for those seeking a compact SUV.

Friday, February 1, 2019

2019 Toyota Yaris Sedan: Gas Sipper at a Nice Price

Are there still good, affordable small sedans on the market? Yes, with case in point being the 2019 Toyota Yaris Sedan.
This subcompact four-door used to be called the Yaris iA up until a year ago. Kudos to Toyota for giving it a more fitting name.
This Yaris has a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 106 horsepower and is linked to a standard six-speed manual transmission or optional six-speed automatic.
Obviously, this is far from a muscle car, and it can be a bit sluggish when it comes to acceleration.
But the upside of course is that fuel economy numbers are really strong. The Yaris Sedan is rated at 32 mpg city, 40 highway by the EPA.
A recent trip to the gas station almost filled the Yaris's tank for about a whopping $12.
Interior space is rather limited, so this is not what you would call a family car. But if you just need something to zip around town in, it's a great choice. Seating up front was comfortable with the seat pushed as far back as it goes for us tall drivers. But it leaves next to no room for back seat passengers.
The Yaris Sedan comes in three trim levels: L, LE and XLE.
Our test drive model was an XLE trim that carried a sticker price of $19,470 and it was fully decked out.
A nice small sedan with a nice price tag and great gas mileage is what you get with the Yaris Sedan.

Friday, January 25, 2019

2018 Lexus LX 570: Elegance in Abundance

Luxury SUVs are popular because they provide a smooth ride, plenty of amenities and room for lots of passengers and cargo.The 2018 Lexus LX 570 checks all of those boxes and more.
The LX seats up to eight passengers over three rows of seating.
Its power plant is a 5.7-liter V-8 engine that makes 383 horsepower and is linked to an eight-speed automatic transmission with four-wheel drive.
That large engine is pretty thirsty, as the LX is rated at 13 mpg city, 18 highway. So be prepared to spend generously at the gas pump.
Seating is exceptionally comfortable, with the rich leather seats providing a soft and relaxing feel.
And the ride quality is smooth as butter, as the LX seems to just glide over the roads.
Driving the LX is pleasant because of the comfortable seats, high stance of the vehicle and excellent visibility.
The optional Mark Levinson audio system also contributes to a great environment that lets you ride in style.
Our tester carried a sticker price of $96,685.
That's kind of pricey, but if you're in the market for a ride that's elegant, stylish and give you plenty of room, the LX is the real deal.

Friday, January 18, 2019

2019 Kia Optima: Sweet Sedan Offers Good Value

The Kia Optima is probably the most important vehicle in engineering the turnaround of the Kia brand from maker of cheap, unreliable, boring vehicles to formidable competitor in many market segments.
For 2019, the Optima midsize sedan continues to represent the Kia brand well and show that the Korean company is firmly ensconced as an automotive power.
The Optima comes in four trim levels: the LX, S, EX, and SX Turbo, which our tester was.
The LX and S trims have under the hood a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 185 horsepower.
The SX Turbo is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that makes 247 horsepower. Fuel economy for this engine is rated at 21 mpg city, 30 highway.
Both of those engines are linked to a six-speed automatic transmission.
The EX features a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder option that makes 178 horsepower and is linked to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. Fuel economy for this model is rated at 28 mpg city, 39 highway.
Driving dynamics for the SX Turbo are probably a little better than what you might expect from a Kia. It is capable of accelerating aggressively, handling smoothly and braking firmly.
It's not quite European luxury-sedan level stuff, but neither is the price tag.
Interior comfort is good, with well-designed seating, good leg room and adequate head room. As an added amenity, the tester had a great Harman Kardon sound system that provided a nice sound track.
The Optima starts at around $24,000, with our test model carrying a sticker price of $32,820.
The Optima is a nicely styled, comfortable sedan that also lets you have a little fun.

Monday, January 14, 2019

2019 Toyota Camry: Everything You'd Want in a Midsize Sedan

The Toyota Camry is one of the most popular midsize sedans ever, and the 2019 model shows it doesn't plan to relinquish that status anytime soon.
The Camry is offered in seven trims: L, LE, SE, XLE, XSE, XLE V6, and XSE V6. Our test model was an SE.
Under the hood of the Camry is a standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 203 horsepower and is linked to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The XLE V6 and XSE V6 have a 3.5-liter V-6 engine that makes 301 horsepower and carries the same drivetrain.
The four-cylinder's fuel efficiency is rated at 28 mpg city, 39 highway (the SE tester has the four-cylinder). The XLE V6 and XSE V6 are rated at 22 and 33 mpg and 22 and 32, respectively - still not bad for a midsize sedan.
The Camry has never been known for sporty driving dynamics, and that's OK. What you do get is a solid, smooth ride that you would expect from a good sedan.
The interior is fairly spacious and comfortable, with adequate head room and leg room in the front and rear seats.
Our tester came with a sticker price of $29,899.
With its smooth ride, good fuel efficiency and great interior comfort, the Camry is truly a winner.