Monday, July 28, 2014

EARTHY CAR OF THE WEEK: Red 2007 Mini Cooper S

2007 MINI Cooper S Hatchback, Red, $10,995 http://bit.ly/1khJf0F Subcompact, 6-spd manual, MPG = 25/32

The Mini Cooper is one of the most iconic cars that originated in the 20th century.

While it’s exclusively European in nature, the Mini is still idea for Americans. It’s small, but so sporty and peppy.

This particular Mini has a turbo charged engine, so even though it’s small, it can maneuver hilltop areas + rough terrain with ease.

SPECS / FEATURES
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EXPERT REVIEW
NewCarTestDrive:
“Though the Mini is still the smallest four-passenger car on the road in North America, the interior is large enough to accommodate all sizes of drivers and front passengers in comfort, and the rear seats are actually functional, if not capacious. With the hatchback and folding rear seats, the car can even haul reasonable amounts of gear.”

FEATURES:
“The Mini Cooper hardtop with conventionally-aspirated engine comes with air conditioning, CD stereo with six speakers, wired for auxiliary input and 6-disc CD changer, power windows with auto-down, power locks, remote keyless entry with electronic signal transmitter in place of the ignition key, and rear wiper standard.”

“The Mini Cooper S is equipped with a turbocharged version of the same engine, stiffer Sport suspension, performance exhaust system, and 16-inch alloy wheels; 17-inch wheels are optional. Exterior design details, including a black grille inset, hood scoop, rear bumper insets…distinguish the S from the Cooper.”

DRIVING SUMMARY:
“Driving this car first on the technically challenging racetrack at Zandvoort in the Netherlands, and then on the streets and highways around Barcelona, we found it sporting to drive and comfortable at the same time.”

“In the turbocharged form with direct fuel injection as used in the Cooper S that we drove, the engine gives the car very sporting performance. The 175 horsepower is more than adequate in the lightweight Mini to produce speeds twice most legal limits, but the 177 pound-feet of torque, which can be overboosted to 190 pound-feet for short intervals, and is available from 1700 rpm to 5000 rpm, is nothing short of marvelous. A sport button control gives quicker response from accelerator and steering.”
“The Cooper S comes standard with a sport-tuned suspension, but its behavior is still much more refined than other cars capable of similar track speeds. Using the MacPherson Strut front suspension and multi-link rear suspension adapted from the BMW Z4, the car is flat and stable in corners, and absorbs most bumps without discomforting passengers."
SUMMARY:
“The Mini Cooper has offered since its introduction as a 2002 model a satisfying combination of peppy performance, a distinctive bulldog appearance, and custom ordering of a variety of trim and color options in advance of production at a very reasonable price.”
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Friday, July 18, 2014

EARTHY CARS SPOTLIGHT: Bright Colored Cars

Cars come in all colors and shapes. Most are normal, but some drivers like to stand out. Besides unique design, you can stand out with a brightly colored car. And one need not stand out with a luxury car; all of the following cars are economical.

2006 Volkswagen New Beetle TDI Hatchback, Red, 84347 mi, $10,995 http://bit.ly/1f3QOzT Compact, 6-spd auto-shift, MPG = 30/38
2009 Honda Fit Hatchback, Red, 26808 mi, $12,995 http://bit.ly/1f3IobW Subcompact, 5-spd automatic, MPG = 28/35
2010 Toyota Prius III Hatchback, Red, 73000 mi, $13,995 http://bit.ly/1ootOlB Mid-size, MPG = 51/48
2008 Toyota Prius Standard, Blue, 137323 mi, $9,995 http://bit.ly/1lFLUl7 MPG = 48/45
2009 Toyota Yaris Liftback, Blue, 76493 mi, $8,995 http://bit.ly/1f3R6a5 Subcompact, 4-spd automatic, MPG = 29/35
2009 Toyota Yaris 3-Door Liftback, Yellow, 81267 mi, $8,995 http://bit.ly/1oottPJ Subcompact, 5-spd manual, MPG = 29/36
2010 Subaru Forester 2.5X SUV, Silver, 58960 mi, $16,995 http://bit.ly/1qHZ2pF AWD, Compact, 4-spd automatic, MPG = 20/26

Thursday, July 10, 2014

EARTHY CAR OF THE WEEK: Grey 2007 Volkswagen GTI

2007 Volkswagen GTI 2-Door Hatchback, Grey, 69236 mi, $11,995 http://bit.ly/1qI2L6Q Compact, 6-spd automatic w/ autoshift, MPG = 22/29

SPECS / FEATURES
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EXPERT REVIEWS
Via AOL Autos
INTRODUCTION:
“The GTI draws its energy from VW's 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine turbocharged to boost output to 200 horsepower and to 207 pound-feet of torque, with peak torque holding steady all the way from 1800 to 5000 rpm. The GTI can rocket from a standing start to 60 miles per hour in just 7.0 seconds, says Volkswagen, while delivering an EPA-rated 23/32 mpg with the manual transmission, 25/31 mpg with the Direct Shift Gearbox. This latter bit of F1 wizardry can be left in a fully automatic mode or can be manually manipulated by racing-style paddle shifters mounted on the steering wheel.

We delighted in the GTI's quick and precise steering. We appreciated the support and design of the Interlagos plaid seating surfaces and the versatility of its hatchback design.”

FEATURES:
“[F]eatures include air conditioning; well-bolstered, eight-way-adjustable seats with Interlagos plaid cloth inserts; a 40/60 split folding rear seat; blue-tinted glass; xenon high-intensity gas-discharge headlamps with washers; halogen fog lamps; turn signal lights on the exterior rearview mirrors; variable intermittent windshield wipers; a height-adjustable center armrest; cruise control; trip computer; remote unlocking as well as power windows that can be opened or closed with the key fob; aluminum alloy pedals; a 10-speaker audio system with six-CD changer and MP3 player; a tilt and telescoping steering column with audio controls on the steering wheel; plenty of cup holders; carpeted and covered cargo area; and 17-inch summer performance tires on alloy wheels.”

DRIVING IMPRESSION:
“The Volkswagen GTI is fun to drive and that's where it shines. The 2.0-liter turbocharged engine is responsive and offers a broad plateau of torque. Maximum torque is available from a mere 1800 rpm up to 5000 rpm, so you can putter comfortably around town in fourth gear without having to overwork your right arm searching for the engine's sweet spot as you maneuver in city traffic. While the car operates on regular unleaded, premium fuel is recommended to achieve maximum power levels.

When you want to downshift for curves on mountain roads or to make a pass on a two-lane in the country, the clutch is very light with easy pickup, the shifter has short and sure throws, and the engine spins into gear immediately. On winding pavement, we preferred the six-speed manual, which allowed us to feel truly connected to car and road.”

SUMMARY:
“Volkswagen's latest GTI is neither the least expensive nor flashiest vehicle in its category. Nonetheless, it offers more horsepower and considerably more torque than either the Honda Civic Si or Mini Cooper S. The GTI also offers either its short-throw six-speed manual or state-of-the-art DSG transmission with speed-of-electrons shifting via paddles mounted on the steering wheel. With its subtly Teutonic styling, the GTI may not look like a performance car. But those inside will have no doubt about its dynamic capabilities. They also will enjoy the room, comfort and cargo capacity of its versatile interior, now accessible through four doors. They may even come to like that Interlagos plaid. We like it.”
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