Tuesday, October 1, 2019

2019 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid



A Hybrid for the Family!

By Charles Donaldson

Chrysler, under the ownership of Fiat, is continuing to enhance its 35 years of minivan leadership with the 2019 Pacifica Hybrid minivan. The 2019 Pacifica Hybrid is more than just a hybrid of gas and electric but also a hybrid of minivan and SUV. The Pacifica Hybrid is the first electrified vehicle in the minivan segment to achieve more than 80 miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe) in electric-only mode, which delivers a total range of more than 500 miles. Chryslers claims that they have reinvented the minivan with its re-engineered Pacifica on an all-new platform and an unprecedented level of functionality and technology. The 2019 Pacifica also is available in a non-hybrid version. 

Pricing and Trims
The 2019 Pacifica Hybrid is available in three trim levels: Touring Plus ($39,995), Touring L ($42,195), and Limited ($45,595).

What’s new for 2019?
Being that this is Chryslers 35th anniversary of creating the minivan, the 2019 Pacifica offers a 35th Anniversary special badging and features. A new “S” Appearance package includes black accents elements inside and out, 18-inch wheels with a Black Noise finish and other all-black interior touches. 





Interior Highpoints
The Pacifica Hybrid doesn’t sacrifice any interior space or volume due to the battery pack cleverly stored under the floor in the middle of the van. The only thing forfeited is the loss of the Stow ‘N Go seating for the second-row seats as that space is now occupied by the batteries. The interior is very comfortable and beautifully designed. The transmission shifter is located in the center dash, which took a little to get used to. The center seats were captain chairs providing easy access to the third row sitting area. The rear cargo area (32.3 cubic feet behind the third-row seats) provided decent opportunities to store your transferable supplies! The optional Uconnect theater rear-seat entertainment system, available with 4G Wi-Fi was the main attraction of my 11-year old son.

Exterior Highlights
The exterior of the Pacifica leans more towards a minivan profile. From the front view it delivers a stylish impression that could be mistaken as an SUV.  The front hood, grille, headlights and bumper are beautifully sculptured with a bold presence. The wheels come as standard 17-inch with optional 18-inch available. The power side doors are what make minivans so convenient. Two new paint colors are available: Luxury White and Maximum Steel.

Performance Specs
The 2019 front wheel drive Pacifica Hybrid is equipped with a 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 EHybrid that generates 260 horsepower; about 26 horses less than the all gas engine available in the non-hybrid Pacifica. A benefit of electric motors is their ability to provide torque on demand and making acceleration on the Pacifica hybrid an non-issue. The 3.6-V-6 engine is paired with an electrically variable transmission that combines the power of two electric motors for EV-only driving and dual mode hybrid operation.

Cool Features:

·         It’s a hybrid Minivan that generates around 80 MPGe!
·         32-miles of all-electric driving range
·         Loaded with technology and connectivity features operated off an 8.4-inch touchscreen

Safety & Integrity
The 2019 Pacifica Hybrid is loaded with safety features including blind-spot monitoring and rear-cross-traffic alert systems with automatic braking. Every model gets a standard reversing camera and front-, side-, side-curtain, and driver’s-knee airbags. SafetyTec also comes with rain-sensitive windshield wipers and reversing sensors. Buyers can add a 360-degree camera system, forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, automated parking, and adaptive cruise control with traffic crawl.

In Summary – Thirty-five years later, Chrysler is still making innovated advancements in the minivan segment. The 2019 Pacifica Hybrid is a perfect example of providing its customers what they want and helping the environment at the same time. It’s a family vehicle that carries 7-passengers in comfort, with style and economically. Plus, it is eligible for a full $7,500 federal tax credit and other state incentives in certain areas.  If you enjoy being green and have a family, then the 2019 Pacifica Hybrid is a new option.

Specifications
2019 Pacifica Hybrid Limited

Base price:  
$45,595 as driven: $50,005 (including destination & optional features)
Engine: 
3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 EHybrid
Horsepower: 
260 hp
Torque:

Transmission:            
eFlite Si-EVT  
Drive:                            
Front Wheel Drive
Seating:                    
5-passenger
Cargo space:           
32.3/140.5 cubic feet (rear seats up/down)
Curb weight:            
4,987 pounds
Electric-only Range:            
32 MPG
Fuel Capacity:
16.5 gallons
Turning Circle:
39.7 ft.
Wheelbase:
121.6 inches
Warranty: 
3 years/36,000-miles
Also consider:   
Honda Odyssey, Kia Sedona, Toyota Sienna

Sunday, September 1, 2019

2019 Cadillac XT4


  Luxury as a Small Sport Utility Vehicle!

By Charles Donaldson

For 2019, Cadillac enters the industry’s fastest-growing luxury segment – Luxury Compact SUV - with the introduction of the All-New 2019 XT4. It has been tailored for the next generation of luxury customers, and also debuts Cadillac’s new global “Y” trim strategy, which embodies distinctive Premium Luxury and Sport models built on the well-equipped Luxury (base) trim. The content and styling cues are custom-made for the Premium Luxury and Sport trims for customers based on their different tastes and preferences.

Pricing and Trims
The 2019 Cadillac is available in three trim levels: Luxury FWD ($34,795) AWD ($37,295), Sport FWD ($39,295) AWD ($41,795), and Premium Luxury FWD ($39,295) AWD ($41,795).

What’s new for 2019?
Everything!  This is the first year for the XT4, and we can safely say – it’s all new! With that said, a few of the highlights of the XT4 are:  Cadillac’s first integration of Near-Field Communication, which enhances the process of pairing a phone with the Cadillac user experience, a new electro-hydraulic braking assist system, and next-generation 15-watt wireless device charging.





Interior Highpoints
The XT4 comfortably accommodates 5 passengers into their well-bolstered and soft-cushioned seats. The rear passengers are greeted with plenty for legroom, USB and Apple® connection ports, and if the Cold Weather Package ($850) is purchased they will be warmed with heated seats. My test vehicle was the Sport AWD with multiple packages, so it was fully equipped with everything from massaging seats to heads-up display.

After reviewing the packages included with my vehicle, I would recommend the following based on what I might call “required features” for a luxury vehicle: Comfort and Convenience ($2450), Cadillac User Experience with Embedded Navigation ($1500), Enhanced Visibility Package ($1500), Technology Package ($1400),Driver Assist Package ($1100), Cold Weather Package ($850), and Driver Awareness Package ($770). These increased the price of the XT4 by $9570.

The interior is beautiful and well-appointed, with soft touches throughout highlighting the elegance and luxury status of the XT4. I showed the XT4 to my Aunt and she replied, “We’ll take two!” The fit, finish and design elements hit the mark! There is an abundance of technology and storage intelligently placed throughout the vehicle.

Exterior Highlights
The exterior of the XT4 is sculptured indulgence with thin LED headlights flowing from the front facia into the fender and back towards the grille. Since Cadillac is aiming for the younger buyer with the XT4, their very bold lines have been detuned and replaced with softer creases.  The doors are carved with concaved panels while the roofline curves back creating a coupe-like profile. The real taillamps ascend up the side edges of the hatch with descriptive definition.

Performance Specs
The 2019 Cadillac XT4 is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with active fuel management, direct injection and auto stop/start and generates 237 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The power is enough for this small family-style vehicle. The fuel economy is 30/29-mpg highway (FWD/AWD) and 24/22 miles per gallon city (FWD/AWD). The engine is mated to a Hydra-Matic 9-speed automatic transmission that allows for cruising at maximum efficiency. The ride was comfortable and the XT4 controlled the road.

Cool Features:

·         Massaging seats (optional feature)
·         Next-generation 15-watt wireless smart phone charging (optional feature)
·         Multiple USB outlets

Safety & Integrity
The safety features in the 2019 XT4 were abundant between the standard and optional features. Going beyond the multiple air bags and standard HD Rear Vision Camera and Rear Park Assist, the optional packages complete the total safety check-off list with great technology including, forward collision alert, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, automatic park assist with braking, rear camera mirror with washer, and HD surround vision (replaces the standard rear camera with a 360-degree view).

In Summary – The 2019 Cadillac XT4 provides a reasonable offering into the entry-level luxury group. The base sticker is only the beginning, and to complete it properly - it will cost you an extra 10 grand. When all was said and done, my test vehicle priced out at slightly over $57,000, but had every option that I wanted. The XT4 hits the mark for its style, luxury, performance, ride and technology; which luxury buyers have come to expect. The attention to detail and interior design attributes are amazing. Cadillac did a great job pairing luxury with fun!

Specifications
2019 Cadillac XT4 Sport AWD

Base price:  
$41,795 as driven: $57,135 (including destination & optional features)
Engine: 
2.0-Liter Turbocharged 4-cylinder
Horsepower: 
237 hp @ 5000 RPM
Torque:
258 lb.-ft. @ 4000 RPM
Transmission:            
Hydra-Matic 9-speed automatic transmission
Drive:                            
All-Wheel Drive
Seating:                    
5-passenger
Cargo space:           
22.5/48.9 cubic feet (rear seat up/down)
Curb weight:            
3,896 pounds
EPA mileage:            
City 22/Hwy 29 MPG
Fuel Capacity:
16.3 gallons
Turning Circle:
38 ft.
Wheelbase:
109.4 inches
Warranty: 
4 years/50,000-miles
EPA Size Class:
Small Sport Utility Vehicle
Also consider:   
Acura RDX, Audi Q3, BMW X3, Infiniti QX50, Lincoln MKC, Mercedes-Benz GLA Class

Thursday, August 1, 2019

2019 Volkswagen e-Golf


 VW goes Electric!

By Charles Donaldson

With gas prices on the rise again we might be pondering if our next vehicle should be electric. There are various points to be considered with the gas vs. electric decision. For example, how far is your daily commute, or do you have a secondary vehicle for those longer road trips, or do you have the ability to charge your electric car overnight? Some apartment dwellers might not. I once was stuck at a charging station for three hours to generate enough energy to get home since my hotel fell flat with their promise of allowing me to plug into their building. Luckily, we are seeing the range of electric vehicles continue to grow. VW claims the 2019 e-Golf has a battery range of 186 miles, but the reality is much closer to 125 miles, so plan carefully!

Pricing and Trims
The 2019 Volkswagen e-Golf comes in two versions: SE ($31,895) and the SEL Premium ($38,895). My test vehicle was the SE with the Driver Assistance Package ($850).

What’s new for 2019?
The 2019 e-Golf is now available with the two trims: SE and SEL Premium. The new SE trim is a standard DC Fast Charger, enabling the battery to be charged to approximately 80 percent within an hour at a DC fast charging station. A Driver Assistance Package is available, with additional safety features what I would recommend. It includes Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking (Front Assist), Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Traffic Alert, and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC). The SEL Premium trim now offers an even greater selection of standard driver-assistance safety features including Front Assist, Active Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Traffic Alert, ACC, Lane Keeping System (Lane Assist), Park Assist and High Beam Control (Light Assist).




Interior Highpoints
The 2019 e-Golf interior is very similar to its gasoline-brother with only minor graphic changes indicating the state of charge, battery range and some detailing in blue to remind you are the electric version. The seats are comfortable, and the front offer a wide range of adjustment. The back seat has adequate head space due to the boxy design of the Golf. I did find a disappointing lack of USB outlets (only 1) in the SE model. Otherwise, the dash was nicely laid out and the touchscreen auto/navigation/information center operated with ease and offers multiple ways to integrate your smartphone. The overall fit and finish are clean.

Exterior Highlights
The exterior styling is handsome with a few blue markings to show that it is electrified. The e-Golf/Golf is designed with clean simple lines in a hatchback package that offers decent cargo storage and some hidden space as well. One thing missing compared to its gasoline version are the rear exhaust tips not needed with an electric car. Since the e-Golf is a compact car sitting at 168.1 inches in length, the wheels are pushed as far forward and backwards as possible to help improve the ride. Because of its size the front windshield quickly rakes upward to the roof line that remains straight, providing better headroom and cargo space over a sloping roofline.

Performance Specs
The e-Golf’s power spawns from a 100-kilowatt, AC motor and a 35.8-kW battery to release 134 horsepower and 214 pound-feet of torque which is an improvement over the original 2015 e-Golf. The e-Golf is front-wheel drive featuring three driving modes: Normal, Eco, and Eco+. When operating in the Eco+ mode the A/C will not operate. There are also three levels of regenerative braking. There are two drive modes – D and B. I found that the “B” mode increases the brake charging when letting off the gas pedal. The e-Golf’s handling felt well-balanced through corners.

Cool Features:

·         DC fast charger now standard on the SE trim

Safety & Integrity
The 2019 VW e-Golf includes a number of safety driver aids - some standard and others optional depending on the trim level. The rear parking sensors and a rearview camera are standard. Other safety features available beyond the standard airbags, include forward collision warning with autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian monitoring, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane assist, parking steering assistance, and rear cross-traffic alert system.

In Summary – The 2019 e-Golf is a great electric vehicle choice especially if you are looking for a nondescript electrified model. There are other electric vehicles with a longer battery driving range, so make sure to calculate your driving habits into your decision. Typically, the longer the driving range translates into a higher price tag. One of the strengths of the VW e-Golf is its clean styling and attractive interior. 

Specifications
2019 Volkswagen e-Golf SE
Base price:  
$31,895 as driven: $33,440 (including destination & optional features)
Engine: 
100-kilowatt AC motor and a 35.8-kW battery
Horsepower: 
134 horsepower
Torque:
214 pound-feet of torque
EPA Class:
Compact
Drive:                            
Front-Wheel Drive
Seating:                    
5-passenger
Cargo space:           
22.8 to 52.7 cubic feet
Curb weight:            
3,459 pounds
EPA mileage:            
City 126/Hwy 111/Combined 119 MPGe
Range:
125 miles
Wheelbase:
103.5 inches
Warranty: 
3 years/36,000-miles
Also consider:   
Fiat 500e, Chevrolet Bolt, Hyundai Ioniq EV, Kia Niro EV, Nissan Leaf, Toyota Prius Prime