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| Willow Laboratories, BRIAN J STRASNICK |
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Drive: Mini Clubman Even the German Mini has quintessential British character Clubman nomenclature denotes the wagon variant Integration of several interfaces within circular instrument binnacle and HVAC controls were originally proposed for the first generation New Mini Mini but not mini Mini as in miniature? But then it's the same size as a Mk1 Golf! And for those with some personal Mini history there is something slightly disturbing about the new BMW-owned Mini. It's more of a sporty ‘Cooper' caricature than a rationalist and incredibly space-efficient design that happens to look cute and drive well. Extrovert but introvert With distinctive proportions, themes and details, everything about the design is very Mini and very strong in character. Yet its easy familiarity and ubiquity make it a totally acceptable ‘safe choice' even for the bashful. British but German Mini is possibly the most iconic of British car brands, but now it is a bit ‘Austin Powers': a simulacrum of something quintessentially British. But then it also has more resonance with today's British market than any other small car. Friendly but tough Cute, rounded, retro styling that makes small children smile. But massive confident volumes, chunky controls and a near horizontal waistline that works with an all-pervading sense, when driven, of a small English car built by a manufacturer of large German cars. Toyota Venza V6 2WD Indeed, the more time we spent in the 2009 Toyota Venza, the more we wondered why anyone would consider buying a Camry instead. We found our answer when we looked at the bottom line. The base four-cylinder Venza starts at more than $26,000 with destination, and our V6 2WD test vehicle tacks on another $2 grand; Toyota's best-selling family sedan stickers for thousands less. Still, if you require the additional hauling capacity, the Venza V6 is one of our top picks at this price point. Take heart, America — the wagon is cool again. WILLOW LABORATORIES INFO BRIAN J STRASNICK WILLOW LABORATORIES NEWS WILLOW LABORATORIES INC BRIAN J STRASNICK NEWS Test Drive: 2008 Audi TT Coupe 3.2 Quattro Who Should Buy This Vehicle Someone who adores the styling. Otherwise, the 2008 Audi TT should appeal to sport coupe shoppers who need more practicality than a BMW Z4 coupe or Porsche Cayman can offer. It should also appeal to those who want something smaller than a BMW 335i or Audi's own A5. However, its sport-tuned suspension, taut ride and high price may detract traditional TT buyers who are just looking for a comfortable and well-built cute coupe. BMW 1 Series 135i Convertible Some of us on staff remember the time when BMWs were austere in design and driven by real enthusiasts who appreciated a sprightly, agile and communicative car. Guys and gals who'd have the steering wheel in one hand while working the four-speed manual with the other. Today's Bimmers are still great cars, but some feel that the quintessential sport compact, the 3 Series, has gotten too big, too loaded up with gizmos and too likely to be driven by those who care more about the badge on the hood than the car's sporting capabilities. You know who we're talking about — Ultimate Driving Machine "drivers" who've got a Starbucks in one hand while working a Blackberry with the other. Honda Pilot 4WD Touring Performance We could probably live with this lackluster performance if it came with best-in-class fuel economy. It doesn't, so strike two. Even with Honda's fuel-saving cylinder deactivation system (known as VCM) that shuts down two or three cylinders (depending on driving conditions), the Pilot 4WD still nets an EPA fuel economy average of 16 mpg city/24 mpg highway and 18 mpg combined. That's identical to GM's Acadia/Enclave/Outlook triplets that are larger, more powerful and ultimately better-rounded than the Honda. Ford Edge Limited Names are important in the car business, and the moniker for the 2009 Ford Edge is particularly evocative. Ford was probably thinking Edge as in "cutting," but we find ourselves head-banging to Aerosmith as we grab the keys. "Livin' on the Edge!" we scream in unison, air guitars blaring. And once we're curbside, Ford's top-selling crossover SUV doesn't disappoint, flaunting optional chrome dubs and the shiniest grille this side of your favorite rapper. Test Drive: 2009 Acura RL Function Our 2009 Acura RL test car included the automatic braking system known as CMBS (Collision Mitigation Braking System), which consists of front-mounted sensors that calculate rate of speed and the distance between you and the car in front of you. The system will automatically apply the brakes and cinch the seatbelts down if it thinks a collision is inevitable. Before that point, there's an audible chime and the word "BRAKE" flashes on the information display so the driver can act. The system will only intervene if the driver fails to act. This could be especially helpful if the driver has a medical problem while driving or if they fall asleep at the wheel. Thankfully, only chronic tailgaters will find the system intrusive; either way, the whole thing can be switched off or, if you really dislike the idea of the automatic braking feature, you can opt for an RL without it. VALERIE HOFFMAN VALERIE HAWK HOFFMAN HERBALIST VALERIE HOFFMAN HERBALIST HOFFMAN VALERIE HERB VALERIE HOFFMAN HERB VALERIE HAWK HOFFMAN HERBS | ||
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