Toyota RAV4 Endowed with Desirable Upgrades

AUTOS

A14 JULY 25–31, 2013

www.TheEpochTimes.com

Toyota RAV4 Endowed with Desirable Upgrades COURTESY OF NETCARSHOW.COM

BY KELLY FOSS MYCARDATA

Being one of the originators of the compact SUV market, the RAV4 has proved to be a reliable companion over the years. With the introduction of the fourth generation, the vehicle has received several desirable and much appreciated upgrades. Compact SUVs or CUVs are car-derived vehicles. They are wildly popular because they possess a car-like driving experience and comfort, plus a flexible interior that you can actually carry the stuff of life in. The fact that they get pretty good fuel economy and have an elevated seating position is icing on the cake. Dimensionally, the new RAV4 is about the same as the previous generation. The interior has been reconfigured to harvest more usable space. The side opening rear cargo door has been replaced with an overhead hatch. Many liked the side

door because you didn’t have to make a high reach to pull the door shut and there were no hydraulic pistons holding the door up to wear out. The upside to the change however is that the spare tire is no longer hanging outside the car on the back door. It is now neatly tucked under the rear cargo area. That makes for a more elegant appearance and lower repair bills in rear collisions. Though the previous RAV4 had optional third row seating for very small agile people, not many buyers opted for it, and so the spare tire claimed that space. In all, the interior cargo room in the new RAV4 has been increased in the new model. The second row of seats is 60/40 split and the seat backs recline for added passenger comfort. Another significant change is in the drive train. The previous model had either a 4-cylinder or the optional V6 engine. Both are now replaced by a totally modern 2.5-liter 4-cylinder

2013 Toyota RAV4 engine. The previous model was equipped with a 4-speed automatic and the new one has a 6-speed transmission. The new

4-cylinder and 6-speed automatic combination is a quieter, more efficient package that provides more than enough power

for the vehicle and delivers better fuel economy too. The frontor all-wheel drive options have been retained.

Though the exterior styling will seem like a modernized version of a familiar shape, the interior has been radically upgraded. The timid utilitarian trappings have been replaced with contrasting colors, surface stitching, and soft touch panels. The seating is comfortable and the visibility from the passenger’s viewpoint is rewarding. Technology offerings include Toyota’s new Entune technology system which provides smart phone connectivity, online apps, and voice command. Additionally, you’ll find a backup camera, blind spot and cross traffic alert systems, navigation, and keyless entry technology. Toyota buyers are loyal and keep coming back largely because of the quality and reliability of their vehicles. The new RAV4 retains those attributes and is now offered in a more modern and appealing package. Starting Price is about $23,300.

COURTESY OF MAZDA

2013 Mazda MX-5 Miata Club Convertible: Good Things Come in Small Packages COURTESY OF MAZDA

BY JO ANN HOLT

The 2013 MX-5 Mazda Miata Club Convertible I drove recently was too cute for words with its True Red exterior paint job and black cloth top with black wired stitching inside the two-seat compact car. While I knew it was adorable to look at, I wasn’t sure how well it would handle on the road. I did like the fact that it came with manual transmission, since automatic transmissions seem to be the new norm. Personally, I love the control that comes from switching my own gears when and where I feel like it. Even more exciting, the little Miata proved to be a great deal of fun to drive. Zipping in and out of traffic on the freeway, and snuggling into tight parking spots that looked like only a motorcycle might fit in the space, were added benefits that I wasn’t expecting. The Miata emits a very satisfying engine growl to let other drivers know you are on the prowl. However, it’s wise to keep that growl at a low murmur in town. My 6-speed manual transmission model was equipped with an Induction Sound Enhancer (ISE) to yield “more attractive engine sounds …heard at a satisfying volume without resorting to simply being loud, obtru-

From the driver’s seat

2013 Mazda MX-5 sive noise,” according to press materials. Gas mileage wasn’t bad for such a sweet ride, averaging 24 mpg with 21 in town and 28 on the highway. And the price is affordable for such an appealing vehicle (even though it will only hold one passenger), with a MSRP of $26,705. Anyone who likes convertibles and driving a manual transmission will be especially happy with the Miata Club, powered by a 2.0L DOHC 16-valve 14 VVT engine with 6-speed manual transmission, rear-wheel drive,

front and rear stabilizer bars, shock tower brace, and 17-inch alloy wheels. Since it’s a convertible, of course there is a little more wind noise than is found in other models. But for those who love putting the top down (although I wouldn’t recommend it on the highway) it’s worth a little wind noise. Unfortunately the weather didn’t permit my putting the top down during the week I drove the Miata. I still remember the first time I saw a Miata convert-

ible, back when a friend who worked for a local newspaper purchased one of the first to enter the market about 20 years ago, and wishing it was mine. However, at the time I was relegated to driving a Mommy van used primarily to haul around Cub Scouts and baseball teams; the two-seat cutie would not have worked even if I could have afforded it. A lot of people did though, as Guinness World Records proclaims the MX-5 as the best selling two-seat roadster in the world. The Club trim is new

for 2013, replacing the touring trim from previous models and making it more affordable. “The MX-5 Miata has been a global success and an enthusiast’s favorite from the getgo,” said Jim O’Sullivan, president and CEO of Mazda North American Operations (MNAO). “The continued passion for the MX-5 is a testament to Mazda’s dedication to producing a true driver’s car, and we look forward to sharing its next milestone with its ever-growing loyal fan base.” For Club models, distinctive exterior characteristics include dark gunmetal alloy wheels, and black-colored details such as outside mirrors, head lamp bezels, and rooftop. A front air dam and rear diffuser are now included as well as the seat back bar garnish now displayed in a glossy dark gray motif. For Club models with a six-speed manual transmission, the Suspension Package also is included, with specialized exterior “Club” graphics

and badges rounding out the finishing touch to fashion an attractively bold MX-5 look. The soft top is simple and easy to use. With a central latch handle, the top requires only an effortless hand motion to fold and stow it behind the seats. The top itself descends into a cleverly designed storage well that provides 5.3 cubic feet of cargo space. All models of the 2013 MX-5 Miata include advanced safety features such as dual front airbags with a passenger deactivation switch, side impact airbags, side impact door beams, three-point safety belts with pre-tensioners and force limiters, an Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), a Traction Control System (TCS), and Tire Pressure Monitoring. Jo Ann Holt is a journalist and car columnist based in Dallas and a member of Texas Automobile Writers Association (TAWA).