Nissan Versa
MG: Hit: I like this strategy — when everyone else is zigging, go zagging. Compared to its “B” car competitors, the Versa stands out, with lots of room, and a more mature personality. Nice powertrain upgrades too, notably the dual-injector fuel injection system and the new, super-compact CVT, which adds a “world first” — an auxiliary gearbox using planetary gearing, allowing for 38 mpg highway mileage.
LW: Miss. Although I'm relieved to see that it’s lost the droopy bottom of the previous model, the Versa - a perennial top seller in this all-important segment, induces nothing but mind-numbing, yawn-stifling boredom in me. Sure, it's got a huge interior with more legroom than the Lexus LS and a voluminous trunk, but it joins the legions of nondescript commuter sedans coursing our freeways like a steady stream of foil-wrapped baked potatoes. Yawn.
Lexus LF-Gh
MG: Hit: The Lexus LF-Gh debuts the brand’s new face and it’s very dramatic and necessary. Up close and under the lights, the LF-Gh was an eyeful to take in — lots of really cool details and creases and interesting surfaces. I guess you couldn’t call it beautiful, but I don’t think that’s what Lexus was striving for here. This is more about standing out in a crowd, and broadcasting that you’re both technically advanced and accommodating to occupants. And I think it does that very well.
LW: Miss. I think. Lexus didn't really reveal enough at the launch to form a decisive opinion of this new sedan that reportedly represents an "entirely new design approach" yet other than a really awesome geometrically-carved concept-car snout, looked pretty much like any other Lexus sedan currently out there. It apparently has a hybrid drivetrain, although they didn't say which one, and a new driver-oriented cabin boasting premium materials, which was impossible to see through the blacked-out glass.
Grand Cherokee SRT8
MG: Miss: I’m sorry, but a big honking SUV with a big honking V8 when everyone is expecting gas prices to shoot up like pinball scores? The idea maybe a victim of timing, but the execution looks pretty darn good. The regular Cherokee is more talented “off road” than most SUVs; now you can add “on track” prowess to its repertoire.
LW: Hit. This is the kind of vehicle that earns you the one-finger salute in university towns with environmental studies programs (like mine). And although I should probably cop a responsible, urbane attitude and give it a haughty thumbs down - this well-executed SUV is so full of angry attitude that I can't help giggling in delighted approval.
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| Photo: Mike Goetz/Auto123.com |
MG: Hit: I like this strategy — when everyone else is zigging, go zagging. Compared to its “B” car competitors, the Versa stands out, with lots of room, and a more mature personality. Nice powertrain upgrades too, notably the dual-injector fuel injection system and the new, super-compact CVT, which adds a “world first” — an auxiliary gearbox using planetary gearing, allowing for 38 mpg highway mileage.
LW: Miss. Although I'm relieved to see that it’s lost the droopy bottom of the previous model, the Versa - a perennial top seller in this all-important segment, induces nothing but mind-numbing, yawn-stifling boredom in me. Sure, it's got a huge interior with more legroom than the Lexus LS and a voluminous trunk, but it joins the legions of nondescript commuter sedans coursing our freeways like a steady stream of foil-wrapped baked potatoes. Yawn.
Lexus LF-Gh
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| Photo: Lesley Wimbush/Auto123.com |
MG: Hit: The Lexus LF-Gh debuts the brand’s new face and it’s very dramatic and necessary. Up close and under the lights, the LF-Gh was an eyeful to take in — lots of really cool details and creases and interesting surfaces. I guess you couldn’t call it beautiful, but I don’t think that’s what Lexus was striving for here. This is more about standing out in a crowd, and broadcasting that you’re both technically advanced and accommodating to occupants. And I think it does that very well.
LW: Miss. I think. Lexus didn't really reveal enough at the launch to form a decisive opinion of this new sedan that reportedly represents an "entirely new design approach" yet other than a really awesome geometrically-carved concept-car snout, looked pretty much like any other Lexus sedan currently out there. It apparently has a hybrid drivetrain, although they didn't say which one, and a new driver-oriented cabin boasting premium materials, which was impossible to see through the blacked-out glass.
Grand Cherokee SRT8
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| Photo: Chrysler |
MG: Miss: I’m sorry, but a big honking SUV with a big honking V8 when everyone is expecting gas prices to shoot up like pinball scores? The idea maybe a victim of timing, but the execution looks pretty darn good. The regular Cherokee is more talented “off road” than most SUVs; now you can add “on track” prowess to its repertoire.
LW: Hit. This is the kind of vehicle that earns you the one-finger salute in university towns with environmental studies programs (like mine). And although I should probably cop a responsible, urbane attitude and give it a haughty thumbs down - this well-executed SUV is so full of angry attitude that I can't help giggling in delighted approval.