In recent months, I’ve begun several new writing projects. The San Francisco Examiner has a long, distinguished tenure as a print publication, but it's now making great electronic progress. I’ve joined hundreds of other "Examiners" as the National Cycling Examiner and Monterey Peninsula Examiner. Check 'em out via the links, cyclingexaminer.com and montereypeninsulaexaminer.com
The biggest automotive news of 2008 remains the ongoing crisis among the “Big Three” manufacturers — General Motors, Chrysler and Ford. But beyond all the serious stuff, there was a lot of fun and intrigue for automotive enthusiasts in 2008. This year marked the sixth full year of The Weekly Driver reviews.
It’s easy to dismiss entry level sub-compacts. They’re unlikely any buyers’ dream cars. And, really, what can a consumer expect for about half of the $30,000 average price of new car in the United States? The answer, as Honda (Fit), Nissan (Versa), Smart (ForTwo) and Scion (XD) have all proven, is a lot. There’s much to offer in the sub-compact segment. And Suzuki should be included in fraternity of the surprisingly strong entry level sub-compacts with the 2009 SX4.
Far too few new American cars average more than 30 mpg. But the 2008 Nissan Altima hybrid is in the small fraternity and that means it warrants extended consideration. A midsize sedan with strong competition among hybrid and non-hybrid family vehicles, the Altima hybrid offers surprising versatility and holds its own in many areas against non-hybrid leaders Honda Accord and Toyota Camry.
Toyota is hoping the 2009 Venza, is “the right vehicle at the right time.” That’s the message from the manufacturer as it unveils its new offering positioned between two of its long-time mainstays, Highlander and Camry. The Venza, named via the combination of the words Monza (the famous raceway in Italy) and Adventure, is also being promoted as “70 percent car and 30 percent” sport utility vehicle.
Since its debut in 2004, the Kia Amanti has been one of the most unheralded cars on the road. And it’s difficult to understand why more premium midsize sedan buyers haven’t considered the Korean manufacturer’s top-of-the-line offering. I hadn’t driven the Amanti since its debut model. It’s been redesigned once, but for 2008 the Kia remains largely unchanged from a year ago. It still features exterior characteristics reminiscent of Audi, Lincoln and Mercedes, and there’s nothing wrong with that.