turbo

First Impressions: 2018 Volkswagen GTI

2018 Volkswagen GTI Finally, a sports car the whole family can agree on (and fit into). By Nick Kurczewski, Contributor, Car-ED.com | July 2018 What is this vehicle? The 2018 Volkswagen GTI proves compromise is still possible, at least when it comes to finding a car that's functional and fun-to-drive on a daily basis. Beneath the GTI's stoic four-door body, and tucked somewhere behind its handy hatchback, is a feisty side that loves to play whenever you punch the gas pedal. Granted, this isn't a Hemi-powered, chest-thumping kind of sports machine. If a Mustang, Camaro, and Challenger are the heavyweight boxing bruisers of the affordable performance world, think of the VW GTI as more of a world-class fencer or slalom skier. For starters, the VW's 220-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine gets you going, quickly. But if smoky burnouts and look-at-me driving shenanigans are what you're after, the GTI could leave you feeling suddenly very...sensible. For the 2018 model year, the GTI is only available in four-door format, as the coupe model sadly got the heave-ho from the lineup. A six-speed manual is the standard transmission, though many buyers will probably spend extra for the available six-speed automatic (which is how our test car was equipped). While we're proponents of manuals, the automatic does an excellent job of smoothly delivering power to the front wheels. Inside the cabin, the materials feel a cut above the [...]

2018-07-30T16:29:45-04:00Jul 2018|Car Reviews|

First Impressions: 2019 Genesis G70

2019 Genesis G70 Hyundai's luxury brand delivers a world class sport sedan. By Nick Kurczewski, Contributor, Car-ED.com | July 2018 What is this vehicle? The 2019 Genesis G70 sport sedan is the first product from Hyundai's new luxury division engineered specifically as a stand-alone model, a car developed from the start to take on a wide range of luxury rivals, including the BMW 3-Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Audi A4, Lexus ES350 and Acura TLX. Entering the luxury field can be a daunting task, especially when you consider how much weight is given to badge prestige and name recognition. Say the name "Genesis" to most car shoppers and, let's admit it, you're going to be hard pressed to find someone who immediately thinks of a Korean luxury brand, not a 1980's pop rock group. While the Genesis name has graced several high-end Hyundai sedans over the past few years, the G70 is the first model introduced now that Genesis is its officially a spin-off brand. Will Hyundai be able to convince luxury car buyers to consider giving its upstart sport sedan a chance? Based only on the G70's spec sheet - which is chock full of available performance goodies, like a twin-turbo V6 and 6-speed manual transmission - the initial impression is that the established luxury players could be in for a surprisingly strong new challenger. Who is this vehicle for? The Genesis G70 [...]

2018-07-17T18:50:47-04:00Jul 2018|Car Reviews|