A week with a 2014 Jetta SE

Last week I had the pleasure of a week  with a 2014 Jetta SE.  Nice car, certainly meets its competition or exceeds it in some areas.  Overall I have to say I liked the car.  Good power, good handling, great ergonomics weakened only by the cheap materials and lack of technology.  For an SE up against similar Focus SE or Honda Civic its a decent competitor, certainly kicks them both in the crotch when it comes to the power train.

For 2014 Volkswagen made the right decision and dumped the old 2.5l 5 cyl in favor of their tried and true 1.8l turbo with direct injection.  Teamed with a shiftable  6 speed automatic this car is a dream.  So good is that power train combo I never bothered moving the gear selector over to the manual shift option as it was always on boost and ready to drop a gear when needed to merge in traffic or zip around some putz in Prius clogging the fast lane.

For the fam this was a much better choice than the Focus/Civic for one reason. And one reason only. Rear seat room.  The Jetta SE though a compact in size is so well packaged that it has actual usable adult size rear leg room and head room.  The other two are really relegated to small children and amputees in the back seat.

A week of driving around So Cal in a mix of urban, congested freeway and sprightly moving freeway yielded a respectable 25 MPG (225 miles on 9 gallons of regular unleaded).  Sure the other two chief competitors post better mpg numbers, but I'm willing to sacrifice a couple of mpg for the refinement, power and urge the Jetta had.

What I found surprizing is that with the Jetta SE refresh to the powertrain they didn't address technology and material quality.  On the former Ford's Focus owns the class, on the latter Civic and Focus have a much nicer almost premium feel.  Jetta has vinyl seats that are comfortable and fit well the first 10 minutes or so on a hot day.  Go a bit longer than that and you have a moisture puddle growning on your back and bottom.  Not comfortable or pretty.

The technology factor is the only real disappointment with the Jetta.  No Bluetooth standard in the SE, for 2014 it was an added cost option vs Ford that included it in the SE in their basic Sync MyFord.  No navigation, but to be fair, its an extra cost option no one in the class and price point offer up as standard, yet.  I didn't realize how dependant I was on Bluetooth, voice commands and navigation until I spent a week in the Jetta and kept reaching for the voice command button only to find a blank steering wheel.

Also missing were redundant steering controls for the entertainment system.  Its nice to be able to change volume and stations without having to twiddle on a little knob on the dash and just thumb control on the steering wheel.

The car didn't even have a USB port!  I don't know when the last time I had a car without this key feature.  Even if you can't use it for your song library its a nice touch to keep your phone charge.  (Luckily you can get a car charger for the power port/lighter for under $20 at Target).

Aside from the vinyl that does a good job of imitating leather in look and feel ergonomics overall were very good in the Jetta SE I drove. Everything was easy to find and intuitive to use.  My complaint with the interior was the material choices for the dash and door panels.  Lots of hard textured plastic the felt like, plastic.  Not the premium feel you expect when you look at what the big 3 (Corolla/Focus/Civic) have been doing the last couple of years.  When you are charging a premium over the competition a great powertrain isn't enough to sway most buyers when its the interior that they live in during bump and grind traffic.

Much of my complaints with the 2014 exist with the 2015 Model in terms of the Technology standard in the SE...its still an extra cost option that brings the base to 22.3K.  Ford and Honda have basic connectivity with base prices of 18.4K and 19.9K respectively.  With a premium of nearly 4K to 2.4K over the top two sellers in the class its hard to forgive material quality inside where you live with the car on a daily basis.

I really don't mean to sound like some Debby Downer as I really did like the Jetta SE, the drive train without a doubt is best in class for refinement and power.  Its just the interior isn't up to what its competition is doing and with the cost difference its hard to keep the Jetta on the shopping list with the others are doing the whole pack so much better.  I guess it will come down to your priorities.

More pics of the Jetta on flickr.

2016 Acura NSX Revealed at NAIAS

Acura's next NSX is the halo car the division needs to put it back on the map as a technology driven luxury brand.  Will it deliver they way the original did some 20 years ago?  Likely as its got the goods and good looks to pull it off.

I saw it first at the 2012 NAIAS and was completely blown away.  3 years later its ready for production and the real deal stacks very favorably with the concept.

But don't take my word for it compare the original reveal video with the new car.

Some of the key features of the car are as follows:

• Sport hybrid technology -Twin turbocharged 3.5L V6 coupled with hybrid electric motors producing 550+ horsepower
• Twin electric motors in front provide instantaneous torque delivery and dynamic torque vectoring. These three-motors, one aft and two in front, comprise the Sport Hybrid system.
• aluminum space frame, suspension and strategically placed high strength steel and carbon fiber
• "human support cockpit" a first ever for super cars that are designed to fit the driver like a glove for ultimate driving performance
• combination of its lightweight chassis and low-mounted Sport Hybrid power unit, give the NSX the lowest center of gravity in its class. They call it the  Advanced Sports Package designed to deliver ultimate handling
• all-new 9-speed dual clutch transmission of our own design, housing an electric motor that helps directly drive the rear wheels
• Acura's Integrated Dynamics System, supports performance at the will of the driver in every driving situation. Four modes, Quiet, Sport, Sport-Plus, and Track

Yes, there were subtle changes from the original concept.  Its still a low slung beauty but it picked up bulges here and there to accept the twin turbo V6, comply with EU pedestrian impact standards, our archaic lighting system requirements.  In the end its still a marvel of modern technology and one sexy beast.  Nicely played Acura, nicely played.

The car at NAIAS was locked so you couldn't get in to take pictures and I just don't have the juice to get them to open it up for me.  I'll have to take their word for it that the seats are the ultimate in comfort and ergonomics.  The two following pics of the interior and cockpit is courtesy Acura's press kit and used with their permission.

The opening video is courtesy my friend Tyson Hugie who was able to get the reveal captured as well as a glimpse of Jerry Seinfeld.  You can follow Tyson on his YouTube channel as well as his blog documenting his over 500,000 mile Acura Legend, Drive to Five.

I have additional photos of the NSX in higher resolution as well as a host of other cars at NAIAS in my flickr album.

2016 Lincoln MKX revealed at NAIAS

Lincoln Motor Company revealed its all new MKX to a gasp and wow response from the audience.  It makes significant changes in style and luxury from the outgoing 2015 Model.  Other than a floor pan and one engine nothing is shared with the Ford Edge. That's a big deal as many of the brands detractors denigrate the cars as "warmed over Fords".  Not the case here.

The new MKX is full of sensuous flowing curves.  There's a subtle rear wing built into the rear hatch.  Fender flares on the sides to accommodate the wheels.  LED driving lights and rear brake lights/turn signals that follow curves and creases in the body work.  Nice integration of the elements.  The split wing grill theme continues on the new MKX with horizontal bars versus the waterfall of old.

The interior is full of surprises as well.  Two open storage compartments are integrated into the front seat console for easy storage of bulkier items such as purses or clutches.

As if the standard interior isn't pretty enough Lincoln brings 2 different "Black Label" packages to the table for the new MKX. Lincoln Black Label will be available at launch with four designer themes – two of which are all-new. One is inspired by the fashion, lifestyle and art scene of 1920s Paris, while the excitement, passion and pageantry of high-stakes thoroughbred horse racing create the vision for the second new theme. Modern Heritage and Indulgence also will be available on the new Lincoln MKX.

For audiophiles this Lincoln is the first to be equipped with what will be a brand exclusive Revel sound system from Harmon. Uncompromising acoustics and award-winning home theater audio quality comes to the Lincoln MKX through the available Revel audio system. The Revel Ultima system is standard on Lincoln Black Label editions and available on Reserve models. It features 19 speakers with point source architecture, positioning the tweeter and midrange speakers close together for superior audio quality. Further performance and refinement is provided by QuantumLogic Surround Sound technology, which offers three listening modes – stereo, audience and on stage; patented Clari-Fi™ technology offering advanced, real-time music reconstruction for all compressed audio sources; and a 20-channel high-voltage hybrid amplifier for class-leading dynamics and optimized transparency. A 13-speaker Revel system designed for the ultimate audio quality experience is available on the all-new Lincoln MKX Select and Reserve.

The brand also brings to the table some interesting new lighting tricks to the table all in the name of ultimate luxury. When the driver with key fob is within approximately 9 feet, the lower LED daytime running lights gently brighten, while “welcome mat” is projected on the ground from the folded mirrors. Door handles are illuminated, too, tuned to the exterior color. Interior sequential lighting begins at the footwell, then illuminates the cupholders, pass-through, instrument panel, front door handles, front map pockets and rear doors. The lighting goes off in reverse order.

Key features and optional equipment for the new MKX:

• 3.7l V6 with 300 hp/280 ft lbs torque.  Optional 2.7l V6 Ecoboost with 330hp/370 ft lb torque 
• both engines mated to a 6 speed automatic with AWD optional
• integral link rear suspension, upgrades to the body structure and chassis components, make the new model the best-handling, best-riding and quietest Lincoln MKX ever
• Lincoln Drive Control, a suite of ride-enhancing technologies, optimizes performance and offers three distinct modes: Normal, Sport and Comfort 
• of helpful driver aids and technologies are available, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping system, blind spot information system, cross-traffic alert and a height-adjustable hands-free power liftgate
• an ultrasonic sensing system with 12 sensors enabling the full range of available parking-assist features: front rear side sensing, perpendicular and parallel parking assist and park out assist
• available 22-way adjustable front seats with active motion help reduce muscle fatigue in the upper legs and lower back through six adjustable air bladders in the cushion and five adjustable air bladders in the lower seat back
• built-in connectivity is provided through an available embedded modem. Via a smartphone app that communicates with the vehicle, the available MyLincoln Mobile™ app gives owners the ability to start, lock, unlock and locate their vehicle, as well as schedule a remote start.

The new MKX is a great indication of where the brand is going with its total luxury experience.  The features packed in or optionally available will certainly make it class competitive if not a leader in terms of driver satisfaction and support.  That the passengers are enveloped in total leather wrapped luxury is just the added bonus.  I really hope that this model takes off to encourage Lincoln to continue to produce driver focused luxury autos.

These pictures grabbed on the floor of the Lincoln exhibit really show off a lot of the key design and interior elements of the new MKX. I truly could see myself coddled in this in a cross country run or in the bump and grind traffic of Los Angeles.  It has all the right bits to make it a leader in the class.  I hope for Lincolns future the buyers out there really like it as well.

As a bit of a disclosure.  Ford Motor Company paid for my travel and accomodations to attend the NAIAS this last week in Detroit as one of their "digital influencers". (I need to add that to my CV somehow).  All opinions are my own, as if anyone can silence my not so humble opinions.

More pics in my flickr Album 2015 NAIAS

Buick unveils the wowza Avenir and a dud at NAIAS

The big surprise from Buick was the Avenir (French for future) concept car which is a thinly veiled version of the next LaCrosse.  My suggestion, dump the LaCrosse name and use this one.  This car is so totally different that it deserves its own name in history.

This was an odd reveal, private party the night before the NAIAS Press days began, not the usual hoopla grand reveal during press days.  Interesting.  The flagship sedan offers seating for four, full LED exterior lighting, and 21-inch wheels in its premium sports options.

Like Buick's of yore this has some unique design elements that I really like.  The traditional waterfall grill is there, split in the upper third by a too huge Buick emblem and a tasteful chrome rib continuing the hoodline at the head lamps.

The rear view is really nice as well. with a subtle point drawn from the windshield reminiscent at least of the '71-73 Riviera's and their boat tails.

But don't let my blathering color your opinion.  Buick got 2 Eyes On Design Awards for this car.
General Motors Global Design Team for the Buick Avenir concept car won EyesOn Design's Best Concept Award Tuesday, January 13, 2015 at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan. Director of GM Global Color and Trim Sharon Gauci , Design Manager Color and Trim, GM Australia, Jenny Morgan-Douralis, and GM Design Manager Buick Color and Trim Rebecca Waldmeir won EyesOn Design's Best Use of Color Award for the Buick Avenir.

Little was offered up in the way of power train and tranny options.  Best guess is it will be conservative with the 2.0L turbo four as standard and a V6 as an option.  Nothing stronger, as well, the true aggressive sport luxury brand for GM is Caddy, not Buick.  A shame as this car looks like it should have some real go power behind it.

Its a very nice looking concept that appears more production ready rather than a study in what the future could be.  Build it, give it its place in Buick History.

Now for the dud.  The Cascada.  A convertible sedan that's nice enough in appearance.  Its rated as a 4 seater, but with 3" between the front seat back and the cushion end of the rear seat only amputees will be placed in those rear seats.

The car just seems to be missing the mark on so many points.  The front end is molten pointy, not the crisp style and angles of the Avenir, or even lesser current production Buick's like the Regal that is already on dealership lots.  Its a near miss, the premise good, front seats and ergonomics are nice, but you get to the back seat and it all falls apart.  Sad, I had hopes for this car, but its really a rehashed Opel with a Buick emblem glued to the grill that doesn't even fit the bill with current Buick design language.  Equally Sad, is this car is a step back for a brand that has been moving forward and doing such nice cars the last few years.  We need Buick to succeed.

All pics by me.  More in my flickr album from 2015 NAIAS

Ford Upstages itself and others at NAIAS

This last Monday was the most dynamic and surprising Press Conference Reveal at any Auto Show I've ever been at.  Ford owned the show, they dominated the conversation of all the media upstaging other manufactures. We knew going into the show that for sure the Mustang GT 350R was going to be shown, our hosts at Ford were tight lipped as to what else we'd see.  We were blown away along  with the rest of the global automotive press.

The reveal itself was nothing short of amazing.  With Ford its about Innovation and Performance at this years North American International Auto Show.

First Ford introduced the new Raptor piggy backing the announcement a bit earlier in the day that the F-150 won North American Truck of the Year.  This promises to be the ultimate off-roading performance truck.  Here are some of the key features added into this truck above what is available on the F-150

• High Output 3.5L Ecoboost V6 producing more horsepower and torque than last years 6.2L V8
• First application of Ford's new 10 Speed Automatic
• Smart Terrain automatic four wheel drive
• Larger standard Fox Racing shocks with more wheel travel

Raptor was upstaged with the new Mustang GT350R,

"R" for racing, a track ready Mustang ready to go toe-to-toe with the Camaro Z/28 at a lower price point.  It gets the same upgrades as the Mustang GT350 revealed before our own Los Angeles Auto Show a few weeks ago.  Not able is that anything that added weight that wasn't required or optional it was deleted in the effort to reduce weight, including unsprung weight all to better its performance on the track.  Thinks like automatic wipers, rear seats, air conditioning and aluminum wheels were deleted all in an effort to reduce weight and increase competency on the race track.  This is the most powerful, track ready Mustang in the models history.
A few key features of the Mustang GT350R:

• Lighter than basic GT350 by 130 pounds
• Active aerodynamics, including front splitter to increase cooling and down force
• Aggressively tuned Magnaride suspension, first application in a Mustang, to excel on the track
• First mass produced automobile with standard carbon fiber wheels reducing unsprung weight by 50 lb while being stronger than the outgoing aluminum
• Michelin Sport Cup Tire specifically designed for the GT350R
• 5.2l Flat Plane Crank engine that is Ford's most powerful naturally aspirated engine.  Ever
• 6 Speed Tremec transmission with its own cooler

Upstaging the GT350R was a complete surprise.  The new Ford GT.

The Ford GT is about innovation and performance.  Its a hint at what is to come in production automobiles in the coming years.  It was about using innovation to create the Ultimate Expression of Ford Performance.  It completely upstage the Raptor, GT350R and every other car revealed at NAIAS this week.

The Ford GT also won the prestigious Eyes On Design Award. Eyes On Design, the official design awards for NAIAS, honors the best production and concept vehicles making global debuts in Detroit. Judges include current and former design leaders from global automakers and transportation departments at top art schools.

Some key features of the 2016 Ford GT...yes, they are building it...making it the Ultimate expression of Ford Performance:

• All-new Ford GT supercar sets new standards for Ford innovation through performance with advances in light-weighting, aerodynamics 
• Ultra-efficient EcoBoost engine Ford GT features the most powerful EcoBoost production engine ever – a new twin-turbocharged Ford EcoBoost V6 producing more than 600 horsepower 
• Carbon Fiber passenger tub with lightweight Suspension and Engine cradles directly mounted to the tub
• Sync 3 with Navigation
• Track proven torsion bar suspension
• Push rod suspension with fully active inboard dampers
• Carbon ceramic brake discs with 20" wheels

And they still weren't done.  The Focus RS, the fastest, most powerful expression of the hot hatch in the EU is going global next year and yes, we in the States are going to finally get our hands on this car.  YES!

No details were given on the specifics on the Focus RS being released next year.  It will be the subject of its own reveal at a press conference at a later date.  We do know we can expect something along the order of 300+ horsepower in an all wheel drive platform.  From a Focus!

The opinions expressed in this post are my own.  I was a guest of Ford Motor Company as "Digital Influencer" and they did provide my transportation and accommodations.  But like Bart Simpson, I beat to my own drummer and these words are all mine.

More pics of the 2015 NAIAS can be found in my flickr album.  As always, all pics and video are done by me unless otherwise noted.

North American Car of the Year and Truck of the Year announced

North American Auto Show kicks off its Press Days with this Award

Yes, its a big deal.  The Automotive Press as a group vote on the candidates and that is how this award is given  North American Car of the Year, North American Truck of the Year awards carry much more weight than those awards given by individual media outlets.  Its collaborative, it doesn't involve just one outlets views or voice.

Volkswagen's GTI was the Winner of the North American Car of the Year.  No surprise, contrary to the popular belief 'muricans don't like hatchbacks.  We do, especially hot hatches that act and perform as leaders of the pack on the freeway or carving up a canyon, not some slouch poor excuse of a station wagon.  GTI does that, and does it very well at a price we can afford.  Nice job VW.  More pics of the GTI at the end of the article.

Truck of the Year was no surprise to me.  I recently reviewed it and was amazed on its refinement, almost luxury car build and feel than a truck.  Yes, its the Ford F-150.  Congrats Ford, you earned this one.  Innovation that works always is a winner.

Special thanks to my friend and CEO of 8 Asians, Joz, who provided me with the video clip of the F-150 being named North American Truck of the Year.  She was able to attend that ceremony as I was occupied elsewhere with my hosts for the event.

More pics of the NAIAS can be found in my flickr album.

The Rouge: Reinvented for the 2015 Ford F-150

A full post will follow. This is your teaser. A full post with pics on flickr and a video will follow when I return to Los Angeles. 

 Suffice it to say I was completely, utterly blown away by the tour. We got to see the assembly of the body, mating to the bed then on attaching to the chassis and final quality check where they start it up and drive it off to delivery staging area.