September 30, 2009

Hello, Driving Range fans. This time around we will be checking out the new KIA Borrego, a car for smart shoppers and an Italian exotic.

New vehicles
KIA Borrego – They say timing is everything. They say better late than never. Well, for KIA’s new full-sized SUV, the Borrego, the former is the key issue here. With current fuel prices causing many consumers to shun full-sized SUVs, V8-powered units are losing their popularity at a steady rate. Let’s be honest though, there are people who actually need this type of vehicle (as over 50 years of GM’s Yukon/Tahoe brand's existence clearly demonstrates). Market conditions aside, this latest KIA offering is handsome and comes well equipped. With standard features such aspower heated side mirrors, alloy wheels, AC, keyless entry, Sirius satellite radio, cruise, copious airbags, traction, stability, hill ascent and downhill assist control, third-row seating, an excellent warranty and much more, the Borrego sticks to the Korean manufacturer's formula of high content per dollar. Other goodies such as leather, four-wheel-drive, the aforementioned V8 with a six-speed auto, etc., can be had if you want to pay the higher price. The Borrego comes in two trim levels, base LX or premium EX, for each engine choice with four-wheel-drive offered on the higher-end EX version only. Towing capacity is impressive with the V6 capable of hauling 5,000 pounds and the V8 7,500. Fuel-consumption ratings for this two-ton-plus vehicle are also excellent with little difference, in fact, between the V6 and V8 equipped units. The smaller engine rates at 13/9.4 L/100 km (22/30 mpg) city/highway, and the V8 only slightly worse at 14.4/9.7 (20/29 mpg). Interior roominess is expansive with fit and finish at the higher end of the scale. So if you’re in the market for a seven-seat SUV and you’d like to try something new, check out the Borrego.

Available – now

Price	– LX V6 two-wheel-drive - $36, 995 LX V8 4x4 - $39,495
Engines	– 3.8 L V6 – 276 hp – 267 lb-ft torque – 4.6 L V8 – 337 hp – 323 lb-ft torque

The Green Scene
Smart fortwo – Even though the Smart car has been available for several years now in Canada (since the fall of 2004) through Mercedes dealerships, I think it’s worthy of recognition as a significant niche player in the fuel-miser arena. This diminutive two-seater epitomizes the concept of small, efficient transportation. The original models for Canada were powered by an impressively thrifty three-cylinder diesel engine but today’s fortwo has a new three-cylinder, one-litre gas powerplant offering 70 hp and 68 lb-ft of torque. This rear-mounted engine is mated to a new five-speed automatic with manual shift mode. No, you won’t go hurdling down the road at 150 miles an hour, but that’s not the intent of the Smart car. With city/highway ratings of an extremely frugal 5.9 L/100 km (48 mpg) and 4.8 L/100 km (59 mpg) respectively, the main reason to purchase a Smart is for its efficiency. Available as a coupe or convertible, the Smart will appeal to those who spend most of their commuting time in rural or city surroundings. Weighing in at around 1,700 pounds and maintaining its short but tall stature, battling 18-wheelers on the main highways is not the fortwo’s forte. All road reports indicate much better ride and handling characteristics for this 2008 model over the previous generation Smart with the new engine/transmission combo a well-engineered drivetrain. Styling has been updated somewhat on both the inside and out although, as with the previous model, you certainly won’t mistake a Smart car for anything else on the road. Starting at around $15,000 for the coupe and $21,250 for the cabriolet, the Smart fortwo is a reasonably priced, unique gas miser that will undoubtedly attract more buyers as fuel prices continue to rise.

If Only
Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 Coupe – In the same league as Ferrari, Porsche, Masserati and their ilk, Lamborghinis have graced the postered walls of many a youth’s bedroom, stimulating dreams of high-speed adventures and exotic lifestyles. Since the takeover by the VW/Audi group some years back, Lamborghini has seen the quality of its product offerings improved significantly as well as a proportionate increase in the bottom line. For those who can afford such extravagances, the updated 2009 Gallardo offers fine tuning in areas that matter the most in this ultra-high-performance arena. Extended nomenclature aside, the “baby” Lambo (big brother is the $355,000 V12 powered Murcielago) has been blessed with improvements in the power-to-weight ratio formula with an increase in horsepower from the 5.2 L V10 to 552 (from a mere 512) and a reduction in weight by some 66 pounds. These enhancements will now fling this four-wheel-drive rocket to 62 mph in an impressive 3.7 seconds. Top speed is an acclaimed 202 mph but reaching such velocities requires nerves of steel and a long, straight, deserted piece of blacktop. Minor exterior tweaks have been incorporated as well to improve aerodynamics and up the styling quotient a notch, as if it needs it. Even fuel consumption has been bettered by about 18 per cent, but who really cares. I gather the folks that purchase such steeds are little concerned about the price at the pumps since a $200,000 (U.S.) price tag requires very deep pockets indeed. Lottery tickets, anyone?