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Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Toyota Calls Steve Wozniak Asks To Borrow Prius


One man has found his way around voicemail, zombie customer service reps and all that in his attempts to tell Toyota he has an unintended acceleration problem with his Prius.

Of course, it helps that his name is Steve Wozniak, that he co-founded Apple and that he called the media to tell them he couldnt get Toyota to listen. Now, The Los Angeles Times says Toyota called Steve to ask to borrow his Prius and see what the problem is.

Monday, June 10, 2013

2011 Porsche Cayenne Hybrid Review

Front 3/4 view from above of white 2011 Porsche Cayenne Hybrid parked next to water
The 2011 Porsche Cayenne Hybrid. Green with grins.

The very idea of a Porsche hybrid takes some big-time explaining for a lot of people. A $67,700 Porsche hybrid SUV even more so.

The Porsche Cayenne is the SUV in question, and to a lot of Porsche purists, it was the Porsche that wasnt supposed to be built anyway. It was counter to the marques mission of building laser-focused sports cars with 2 doors and low centers of gravity.

But the Cayenne has been a success. Porsche builds a lot of them and has built market share squarely on its broad shoulders. And since powerful SUVs have taken the biggest hit when gas prices get squirrely, wouldnt they be the perfect place to employ a little hybrid technology?

Side view of white 2011 Porsche Cayenne Hybrid
The 2011 Porsche Cayenne Hybrid. A few extra MPG for a couple extra Gs.

Hybrid luxo-SUVs arent new anyway...three years ago, when TireKicker was a toddler, we spent in a week in and then wrote about the Cadillac Escalade Hybrid...which, in 2008 was 5 grand more than this years Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid.  The Porsche has the edge on performance (0-60 in 6.1 seconds), handling (elementary physics) and, as it turns out, gas mileage, though neither of them pump up the EPA estimates to Prius levels.

In fact, the Hybrid Cayenne S only gets about 2 miles more per gallon in the city and on the highway  (20/24) than the non-hybrid version. But Porsche only charges a couple of grand more to make the gas/electric leap.

Interior view of 2011 Porsche Cayenne Hybrid
The 2011 Porsche Cayenne Hybrid Interior. You could get used to this.

$67,700 might strike you as something of a bargain for the Cayenne S Hybrid...and youre right. For what you get, thats a fairly compelling base price. But with Porsche, the difference between base price and as-tested price often jumps by the price of a loaded Honda Fit once you get into the optional equipment. And thats what happened to our test vehicle. About $16,000 worth of options got poured onto and into the machine ($4520 of it for the Convenience Package alone), for an endgame (including destination charges of $84,950.

Yes, thats very different from $67,700, but its not out of the territory for Porsche buyers...who, with the Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid, get arguably the best of all worlds: An SUV that saves a bit of gas and a bit of the planet because its a hybrid, and is a Porsche.

Try as you might (and a lot of journalists have tried very hard the past few years to poke holes in the Cayenne), its tough to find fault with the finished product. It works like an SUV, goes and handles like a Porsche (okay, the center of gravity does affect things...but theres no other SUV that can play in the twisties like this one) and the hybrid system is unobtrusive.  A dealer-accompanied half-hour test drive will have you wanting one. A week unsupervised (as we got) just makes it worse. If Porsche sent it back to us tomorrow, wed be happy campers.

Saturday, June 8, 2013

Chrysler Dodge Minivan Airbag Recall


312,000 model year 2005 and 2006 Dodge Caravan, Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country minivans are being recalled.

The airbag sensors can crack, water can get inside and then the airbags dont work as designed.

Read the recall notice here.

Not too comforting...the actual recalling and repair doesnt start until June.

Thursday, June 6, 2013

New Car Review 2011 Jeep Patriot

Front 3/4 view of black 2011 Jeep Patriot in rural setting
The 2011 Jeep Patriot

It was easy to dismiss the Jeep Patriot when it first hit the streets (and trails) a couple of years back. Part of it was guilt by association, having been introduced to the public at the same time as the first-ever non-Trail Rated Jeep, the almost identically-sized Jeep Compass.

But while the Compass was (and is, despite some upgrades) a Jeeped-up Dodge, the Patriot was (and is) a real Jeep. In many ways, its the spiritual successor to the 1984 Jeep Cherokee.

Blue 1984 Jeep Cherokee
1984 Jeep Cherokee

Yes, if you dial the wayback machine 28 model years in reverse, youll find people wondering what was up with this very small Jeep, which replaced the huge (in retrospect) Cherokee (itself a cut-down version of the 1963 Wagoneer).

The Patriots like that. First impression is its too small to be a Jeep, having been exposed to Grand Cherokees, Commanders and even Libertys.  But drive it a few minutes and youll find its the back-to-basics vehicle that Jeeps been needing.

Our tester was the Patriot Latitude 4X4, but the window sticker shows that it was optioned up to Latitude level from a base Sport model. 

Well break that down for you. Jeep Patriot Sport 4X4. Starting at $17,695, its only $1,700 more than the Sport 2-wheel drive model. Stepping up to the 4X4 gives you the 2.4 liter DOHC 16-valve engine and 165 horsepower instead of the stock 2.0 liter, 141 horsepower four.

You also get three transmission choices: A Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), a CVT with AutoStick, or a five-speed manual. Personally, Id go with the stick, but the Jeep press fleet chose the CVT with an off-road crawl rate. And, honestly, it was a very good, very smooth CVT. I had to be reminded that was how the Patriot was equipped, which means it felt natural...like the best (Nissan, Subaru) CVTs.

2011 Jeep Patriot interior
2011 Jeep Patriot Interior

The standard equipment list also includes a full complement of airbags, electronic stability control, anti-lock four-wheel disc brakes, hill start assist, brake assist, speed control, Security Key Theft Deterrent System, a removable/rechargable LED flashlight, rear window defroster, wiper and washer, tire pressure monitoring, an AM;/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with audio jack, and a center floor console.

All in all, thats a cut above the basics in a very competent little Jeep for only $17,695. Id buy one like that.

Except. 

It hadnt occurred to me in a long, long time...especially living in Arizona, but there are cars for sale in this country (not many) where air conditioning is an extra-cost option. And the Jeep Patriot is one.

So our Patriot came with Customer Preferred Package 28B, which gives you air conditioning as well as an upgrade to 17-inch aluminum wheels, power heated manual fold away mirrors, body color door handles and liftgate applique, height adjustable drivers seat, power windows, speed-sensitive power door locks, remote keyless entry, illuminated entry, steering wheel mounted audio controls, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, rear 60/40 reclining and folding seat backs, a fold-flat front passenger seatback, heated front seats and a 115 volt power outlet.

That package is $3,700. Making the price (so far) $21,395. Which is actually a few bucks cheaper than starting with the Latitude 4X4.

But the option list goes on...another $3,400 worth, give or take. The Security and Convenience Group gets you supplemental front seat-mounted side airbags, a security alarm, auto-dimming rear-view mirror with microphone, electronic vehicle information center, universal garage door opener, adjustable roof rail crossbars and a soft tonneau cover for $750. All nice stuff to have.

Then theres the Freedom Drive II Off-Road Group: All-Terrain tires, brake lock differential, hill descent control, a full-size spare, skid plates for the transmission, oil pan and fuel tank, tow hooks, an engine oil cooler, trailer towing wiring harness, all-season front and rear floor mats and a "Trail Rated" badge for $500. Those are essentials. Id absolutely check that option box.

The CVT with off-road crawl ratio? Thats an extra $1,000. Again, Id go with the manual if it was my money.

Ours also came with the Media Center 430, which adds a 30 gig hard drive that can hold 6,700 of your favorite songs (depending on length...depending on Ramones or Rachmaninoff, your storage capacity may vary), and a 6.5 inch touch screen display. Thats $640.  As with nav systems, odds are your phone can do this.

And finally, $375 for the Uconnect Voice Command with Bluetooth. It adds a USB port for mobile devices, and Sirius Satellite Radio with a 1-year subscription. Im a huge believer in hands-free mobile when driving...Id probably say yes for the Bluetooth alone.

With $700 destination charge, the bottom line winds up at $25,410. And thats a long way from the $17,695 we started at. But its not unreasonable. It is far less expensive than the average SUV, which doesnt have the Patriots capabilities (as equipped), and its actually less expensive than the average family sedan today.   And wed knock a grand off that sticker by shifting it ourselves.


2011 Jeep Patriot

Base price: $17,695

As tested:   $25,410

EPA estimate: 20 mpg city/23 mpg highway

Likes: Compact size, low base price, real Jeep capability, fuel economy, dramatically improved interior.

Dislikes: Air conditioning and Bluetooth should be standard.

Tuesday, June 4, 2013

Mitsubishi Pajero Pinin 2000 2003 Repair Manual



Mitsubishi Pajero Pinin 2000 - 2003 GG Release Guidelines for maintenance and repair. Wiring.
Publisher: "Mitsubishi Motor Corporation"
Format: pdf
Size: 52 Mb
Quality: Excellent
Pages: 2,000
Language: English
  A selection of manuals for Mitsubishi Pajero Pinin in English. A selection is made up of dealers, and manuals for car maintenance and auto service stations.



Download Free - Mitsubishi Pajero Pinin Repair Manual

Sunday, June 2, 2013

VIDEO University Professor Induces Unintended Acceleration In Toyota Avalon With ABCs Brian Ross At The Wheel

Southern Illinois University professor David Gilbert says a short-circuit can cause the cars to accelerate suddenly and not leave a trace in the cars fault codes.



Toyotas response? Click here.

Friday, May 31, 2013

2011 Mazda CX 9 Review


Front 3/4 view of 2011 Mazda CX-9 parked in front of house
As the tide turns from traditional truck-based SUVs, a lot of people are discovering the larger crossovers (sport-utes based on car, rather than truck, platforms). Its turning into a crowded field (including four from General Motors alone)...but there are standouts, and one is the Mazda CX-9.

As noted in previous entries here at TireKicker, Mazda doesnt make bad cars. And the CX-9, based on the very good previous-generation Mazda 6, is a strong contender.

The CX-9 is big enough for three rows of seats accomodating seven passengers. The weight of the vehicle, people and stuff is pulled (yep, front-wheel drive) along by a 273 horsepower 3.7 liter V6 with a six-speed automatic transmission. The six speed helps nudge the EPA estimated mileage into respectable territory...16 city, 22 highway.
Interior view of 2011 Mazda CX-9

Ordered in Grand Touring trim, as the test vehicle I drove was, the CX-9 shows up with 20-inch aluminum alloy wheels, automatic Xenon headlights, leather-trimmed seats (including an 8-way power heated drivers seat), Bluetooth hands-free capability for your cell phone, a three-zone climate control and a six-speaker AM/FM/CD audio system. Price: $33,355.

Options on the tester included Sirius Satellite Radio, a blind spot monitoring system, a package including a moonroof and a 277-watt, 10-speaker Bose surround sound sytem with a six-disc changer in the dash, a towing package and a GT Assist package...including navigation, rear view camera and power rear hatch. That propels the bottom line (with delivery charges) to $39,405. ..which puts it right in the hunt with a similarly loaded GMC Acadia.

Safetys a plus here, too, with the CX-9 getting a five-star rating from the government for frontal and side crashes for the driver and passenger, and a four-star rollover rating.
As a smaller manufacturer, Mazda often gets overlooked. In this case, that would be a big mistake.

UPDATE: Just finishing a week and a few days in the base-level CX-9 Sport...one without any options whatsoever. And its brilliant. How? Because the basic goodness of the CX-9 as above is there...but the lower standard equipment level (not lower by much) and lack of options keeps the price just a nick under $30,000 as tested. Thats ten grand below the sticker price above....for the same basic vehicle. Go. Drive. One. Now.

Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Around The World In 6 And A Half Months Tesla Odyssey of Pioneers


Electric car maker Tesla Motors and watchmaker TAG Heuer are partnering for an around-the-world trip in the one of a kind TAG Heuer Edition Roadster you see above.


Launching from Basel, Switzerland this week, the plan is 27,000 miles, 15 cities, 150 towns and three continents, wrapping up in Paris, France on October 4.

Follow along on the Odyssey of Pioneers website,  Facebook or Twitter .


Monday, May 27, 2013

Assessment Factor Car Audio Contest

Car Audio Contest
ONE class in the competition car modification is car audio contest. For the hobbyist modifications. Audio contest into a class is quite challenging because it reduces their creativity and imagination to build a sound system that looks unique, original output plus the steady and comfortable on the ear.

To look clearly depends imagination and creativity of each individual, while the output of the sound produced is strongly influenced by the reliability engineers in setting the current phase of the installation. Besides these two things, the assessment of judges is also influenced by several other factors.

"Face value is calculated for the purchase of the device alone. Cables and other passive components are not included in the count. The benchmark used is the highest market price, "he explained. Installation factors will obviously note the jury. Standards must be good and safe installation. An example is the connection cable must be soldered and fuel hoses. Usage and capacity fuses must also be in accordance with the electricity used cars. Completeness of the bolts on the speakers also did not escape the attention of the assessment team.

"All processes intalasi there should be photos and notes because it can add value. Historical development of audio is also included. So start the car looks like nothing until after it is built so as to what should have photos and history, "

Preparation and placement of box speakers in the car not to disturb the driver comfort. This will reduce the points. From behind the wheel, drivers forward view, rearview mirror left right and center should not be hindered at all.

Operation of the steering wheel, gear lever and pedals also have barrier-free. Sometimes, the car owner to choose a specific theme to build the audio. Use accessories that add beauty and cosmetics audio visual appearance will obviously boost the ratings points. The latter is the quality of the resulting sound output. The audio system will be assessed based on the staging, imaging and tonal accuracy. Setting an appropriate and correct during the install m, emegang menantukan important role that the quality of his voice. "Do not forget to mute pop on and pop off,"

Saturday, May 25, 2013

Body repair WHA

Some times a year (preferably every six months) need to check the paint coating machine and its restoration. Minor injuries are not striking, but if they are not removed, they grow and are much lower viability car. Small dents can be corrected on your own - easily beating inside a soft mallet. If the dent is not available internally, we can use a strong magnet. To remedy must be imposed on the magnet surface close to the dent and slowly led a magnet over the surface of the damaged items until the magnet does not pull the metal in place. After straightening is necessary to identify sites that require restoration of coverage - scratches, abrasions, chipped. Repair is best done in warm, dry weather or in a heated room. Be sure to provide ventilation, because most of the materials used to repair covers, highlights harmful substances. The first operation - cleaning the damaged area. For her, use a fine sandpaper. You can work manually or with an electric drill. Trimmed necessarily the entire depth of the damage gradually venturing from the intact portion to be defective. Check the quality of cleaning is simple - to hand over details, and the boundary between patches should not be felt. After this necessarily wash the exposed area (mineral spirits or a similar composition) and dried. The next operation - a primer. If the coating was not damaged to the metal, but only the surface layer and in the sweep was not filmed primer, then this step can be skipped. Priming will strictly according to instructions, which should be attached to it (usually written on a bank with a primer). If the seller does not give the manufacturer's instructions, you do not need to buy a coat - there is a risk of spoiling the car. The following operations are possible only after the complete drying primer. Operation Filling - junk. It is necessary only if you can not correct the detail mechanical methods. Immediately to determine the choice of the enamel, which will be drawn in the damaged area. Putty should be on the same basis as the enamel (for example, if applied nitroemal, then use the putty SC-007 or from the same series). Apply the filler should be kept to a minimum, if necessary - in several layers. Each layer to dry well. Abraded, rinsed (unless there are specific indications to the filling, then rinse with water). Topcoat must be done only on a clean, well-dried surface. On the types of surface enamel is applied by spraying (spray gun you can buy or make your own - a small device attached at the tubing to the pump). Get a good quality of coating by brush impossible. Necessarily apply a thin layer, put a few more layers than one thick one. This way you can avoid the rolls and streaks. If they do get formed, after the complete drying have their medium grinded, washed, dried and apply another layer of enamel. To obtain a glossy surface, experts recommend the last layer of spray solvent № 648. Covered with enamel surface must be completely dry (not just from sticking, and on the depth, if used, for example, nitroemal - will have to wait for hours). The final operation - processing repaired surface sanding and then polishing paste, rinse.

Thursday, May 23, 2013

Bentley Continental Series 51 Range car preview and wallpapers

2012 Bentley Continental Series 51 Range
Bentley Continental Series 51 Range 2010 
2009 Bentley Continental Series 51 Range

2011 Indigen Armor Unveils Extreme Off Road Defense wallpapers gallery

2011 Indigen Armor Unveils Extreme Off-Road Defense wallpapers gallery

2011 Mercedes M Class Grand Edition wallpapers gallery

2011 Mercedes M-Class Grand Edition wallpapers gallery
hese include 48.3 cm (19-inch) light-alloy wheels in a Y-spoke design with tyre size 255/50 R19, blue-tinted thermal insulation glass all-round, dark-tinted headlamps and LED technology for the daytime driving lights nd sporty, darkened tail lights.

Aluminium roof rails and an extensive chrome package with an AMG radiator grille and underguards at the front and rear round off the additional features. Standard equipment also includes PARKTRONIC and a metallic paint finish.

On request the Grand Edition can be further enhanced with a paint finish in chromite black or diamond white, and 50.8 cm (20-inch) bicolor light-alloy wheels with 265/45 R20 tyres, options which are only available for this

M-Class model. A bonnet with the powerdomes typical of sporty Mercedes-Benz models is standard equipment for the V8 models ML 450 CDI 4MATIC and ML 500 4MATIC, and is available as an optional extra for the other variants.

2011 Hyundai Equus wallpaper gallery and prices

2011 Hyundai Equus wallpaper gallery and prices
The American automaker has launched a new customization program for the small Chevy that is available across the Middle East.

Jaguar XK 2011 Review From Concept To Reality

2011 Jaguar XK Review - The XK series "Grand Tour" is the sequel to the original Jaguar XK sports car. Resurrected in 1996, replaced the old XJS XK luxury coupe with a car more suitable to the XK nameplate: a beautiful coupe or convertible with (optional) large motor operates the rear wheels. Ten years after its rebirth, has fans Jaguar XK8 and the XKR a new, high-tech take on the XK, which proves that they can keep a good thing going.
XK has been upgraded for less than a third generation, 385 hp direct-injection 5.0-liter AJ-V8 engine under the hood, while the range-topping supercharged XKR version was the same engine with 510 ponies. Jaguar of 2011 has improved the credibility of GT road when it comes to high performance based on speed and XKR Pack Black Pack Speed Pack to raise the maximum speed is 174 mph (280 kph), and Black Pack offers a dark structure and a tape and a half.

The concept of lightweight aluminum construction, a "minimalist" from the inside, the shifter cutesy baby-J. The production model that hatch even stay out of your price range the trunk floor-cool track. The new XK has also launched a world first: the deployment of pedestrians the hood of the system (AP). The system uses explosive charges to lift the hood of the car near the engine block if the vehicle senses someone who was beaten.

2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Poster car specification and previews

2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Poster car specification and previews

Mazda RX8 with the latest model year has larger exhaust pipes





Officially designated as a "2+2 coupe" the RX-8 places performance ahead of utility in regards to rear seating space. Almost as an apology to those squeezing into the back seat, the RX-8 has a pair of "free style" rear doors to ease entry. These rear doors closely resemble suicide doors made famous by the Lincoln Continental circa 1961.
The 1.3-liter RENESIS rotary power plant that is famously "Mazda" is good for 212 horsepower with an automatic transmission and 232 with a manual gearbox. This high powered engine coupled with the RX-8s nearly perfect 50-50 weight distribution make for an impressively powerful sports car.
True to its sports car roots the RX-8 is most commonly equipped with a six-speed manual gearbox. In a nod to convenience Mazda is also offering a six-speed automatic transmission equipped with steering wheel paddle shifters on all trim levels.
The base "Sport" trim level has two option groups available. Xenon headlamps, fog lights, and traction control can be added to manual RX-8s.
Automatic models can have all these features added as well as 18" wheels, a limited slip differential, larger brakes, and a sport tuned suspension. All of these options become standard on the "Touring" model which adds a power moonroof and 300-watt Bose stereo.
The "Grand Touring" model comes with leather appointed seats, an 8-way powered drivers seat, a remote start system, and heated mirrors.
The latest model year has larger exhaust pipes, new LED taillights, new front and rear bumpers, and a restyled front end. A few suspension and manual transmission tweaks should assist in overall handling and acceleration, while the interior benefits from a redesigned steering wheel and a fresh set of front and rear seats.
Also of note, Mazda has added a "variable red-zone" to the tachometer. Due to the nature and mechanics of the rotary engine, drivers will be shown a different "red line" based on engine temperatures.
The new look is overall more aggressive and should endow the RX-8 a little extra curb-appeal. A new option group is also be available, dubbed the "R3" option package. The R3 will boast a rear spoiler, 19" alloys, and Mazda-styled Recaro racing seats.

2012 Ferrari Enzo Cars Wallpaper

2012 Ferrari Enzo Cars Wallpaper gallery with specification



2012 Ferrari Enzo Pink Color



Red 2012 Ferrari Enzo



2012 Ferrari Enzo Accident picture



Yellow 2013 Ferrari Enzo



Silver 2012 Ferrari Enzo picture

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

BMW X3 2 5si quick car insurance quote wallpaper review

BMW X3 2.5si quick car insurance quote wallpaper review
BMW X3 2.5si is one of the best car from BMW. Here you can get the complete details of BMW X3 2.5si car insuranceunder overview tab.
This BMW X3 2.5si overview will guide you about the quick standard features, BMW X3 2.5si car mileage, BMW X3 2.5si Car safety features with car insurance other specifications of this car model in India

2011 jeep wrangler Wallpapers and features with price previews

2011 jeep wrangler Wallpapers and features with price previews
Upcoming cars 2011 jeep wrangler Cars wallpapers and prices with specification review
That doesn’t seem likely to change for 2011, either.
2007 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Interior View
From what we can tell from these few spy shots that were snapped at the Jeep factory in Toledo, Ohio, the biggest external change to the next Wrangler is the inclusion of a color-matched hardtop

2011 Hyundai Elantra Review

The 2011 Hyundai Elantra.

Its the one-two punch the Japanese have been dreading.

A little over two months ago, we reviewed the 2011 Hyundai Sonata...the upshot being that Hyundai, for 20 years the Korean underdog, had now built a credible competitor to the Toyota Camry and the Honda Accord (and everything else in the family sedan segment too...Focus, Malibu, Passat...).

Well, just as Accord has Civic and Camry has Corolla...Sonata has Elantra...but its better than that. The Elantra, the smaller of the two, is as good in its class as the Sonata in its and maybe better. Its reminiscent of the days when Accord and Civic were so good you couldnt begin to come up with a reason to buy anything else.



Rear and side view of the 2011 Hyundai Elantra.

The fact is, the Elantra is every bit as good a car as the Sonata...its just smaller and gets significantly better gas mileage (29 city/40 highway to the Sonatas 22/35...both equipped with automatic transmissions).

Now that paragraph above is a big deal, because I dont believe the Civic is as every bit as good a car as the Accord (though we havent had a 2012 Civic at TireKicker World Headquarters yet), nor that the Corolla is every bit as good a car as the Camry. Once upon a time, they were, but its been more than 10 years since I would have put my name anywhere near that assertion.

But the Elantra is. There are no penalties to be paid for its junior status. The styling is fluid and exciting, the power, like the Sonatas, more than adequate, the ride and handling ditto.

The one we tested was the top-of-the-line Limited with the Premium Package. You may remember, our Sonata was a one rung up from the bottom SE with only one option: Floor mats.

As a result, far from being an econobox torture chamber, this is what the interior of our Hyundai Elantra Limited test vehicle looked like:

The 2011 Hyundai Elantra Limited interior.

The Limited starts at $19,980, with ESC, traction control, ABS, four-wheel disc brakes, Electronic Brake Force Distribution and Brake Assist, a full complement of airbags and a tire pressure monitoring system standard.

Oh, yeah...and 17-inch alloy wheels, a power sunroof, fog lights, air, a six-speaker AM/FM/XM/CD/mp3 audio system with iPod/USB and auxilary jack, power windows, locks and heated mirrors, remote keyless entry with alarm, Bluetooth, steering wheel-mounted audio, cruise and phone controls, a tilt and telescoping steering column, trip computer, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, leather seating surfaces with heated front and rear seats and a full tank of gas.

That Premium Package we mentioned above adds $2,000 for a nav system with a high-resolution 7-inch touchscreen, a backup camera, a premium audio system with external amp, automatic headlights and proximity key entry with pushbutton start.

$95 for floormats, $35 for an iPod cable, and were done at $22,110.

Yes, I know thats only $1,305 less than the Sonata we tested. Im fine with that. Seriously. Look at it another way. Its only $1,620 more than the Chevrolet Cruze ECO, gets 1 mile per gallon more in the city and two less on the highway (in our testing, we saw 26.9 in 80/20 city street and freeway driving in the Elantra versus 29.2 in the Cruze ECO).

If I was playing with my own money, Id make the choice between the Sonata and Elantra based on size and room needed. And the Elantra is remarkably roomy inside for its size class, with a surprising amount of trunk space.

Pity Honda and Toyota. Its gotta be rough to have Hyundai make a strong showing in one segment this year. But two?

2011 Hyundai Elantra Limited

Base price: $19,980

As tested: $22,110

Likes: Styling, features, fuel economy.

Dislikes: Can I get back to you...or not?

EPA estimate: 29 mpg city/40 mpg highway.