February 10, 2010

Hello, Driving Range fans. This time around we will be checking out the updated VW Golf, a new hybrid from Honda and a most-desirable player in the supercar arena. Enjoy.

New Vehicles
2010 Volkswagen Golf – Although the VW Golf (ne Rabbit) has been available on our shores for many years, the recent refresh of this sixth generation compact that, arguably, started the hatchback phenomenon back in 1975, is worthy of review. Certainly receiving the "2009 World Car of the Year" award begs for a look at what all the fuss is about. Available in two or four door versions as well as in a new wagon format (formerly the Jetta wagon which is no longer available) this versatile German-engineered model has a lot to offer. The relatively new 2.5 litre 5-cylinder gas engine is the standard powerplant boasting 170 hp and 177 lb. ft. of torque. Of course Volkswagen's impressive, all new (for 2009) clean diesel is also available, producing a substantial (for a 4-cylinder diesel) 140 hp and even more impressive 236 lb. ft of torque. I have driven a diesel version and came away very impressed with the smooth, quiet power delivery and, of course, excellent fuel mileage. The Golf GTI continues as well with a re-engineered (in mid-2008) four-cylinder, turbo powerplant that produces the same output as the previous version (200 hp and 207 lb. ft of torque) but with greater refinement and better fuel mileage. Transmissions come in three possible configurations: 1) five-speed manual - gas model non-GTIs, 2) six-speed manual – Diesel and GTI models and 3) VW's six-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic which is available on any of the Golf configurations. The Golf has had a subtle exterior redesign that looks good from most angles although I haven't quite decided on the new grill treatment, which looks more French than German to my eyes. Perhaps it will grow on me. As with past VWs the new Golf is a driver's delight when compared to most of the competition. Solid, refined, sure footed road manners, excellent interior design and high-quality fit and finish are just some of the attributes found in Volkswagen's latest model update. VW's Golf has traditionally been more expensive than the competition but that German driving experience and high-build quality tends to justify the premium. It may look French but the new Golf certainly drives German. Das Auto.

Available – Now - MSRP incl. freight and PDI but before tax and extras.

2-door gas = from $21,540 2.5 L I5 – 170 HP, 177 lb-ft torque
GTI = from $30,040 2.0 L turbo I4 - 200 HP, 207 lb-ft torque
TDI = from $26,340 2.0 L I4 – 140 HP, 236 lb-ft torque
Fuel consumption – 2.5 L gas = 9.2 L/100km –31 mpg (city), 6.9 L/100km – 41 mpg (highway)
- 2.0 turbo = 8.7 L/100km – 32 mpg (city), 6.3 L/100km – 45 mpg (highway)
- TDI = 6.7 L/100km –42 mpg (city), 4.6 L/100km – 61mpg (highway)  

The Green Scene – Honda Insight
The original Honda Insight was a quirky little two-seat hybrid car looking like it just arrived from another planet (beating Toyota to the punch for first hybrid to land in America). With its odd, diminutive bullet-like shape and rear-wheel skirts, the first generation Insight was, and still is, instantly recognizable. Today's Insight carries some of that quirkiness in its exterior design with its tallish Kamm back (dare I say Prius-like) hindquarters, cumbersome-looking front fascia and overall aerodynamic shape. It's not really ugly, it's just… odd. Now available as a four-door hatchback, the Insight platform is based on the smaller Honda Fit with identical width and track but a larger body allowing for more people room and cargo space. Many suspension components are carried over from the Fit as well which has imbued the Insight with respectable road manners and a fairly fun-to-drive attitude. A CVT transmission is the only option for changing gears with paddle shifters available on the better-equipped EX version for those who want a bit more control. The new Insight continues with Honda's (fifth generation) Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) technology, which is their term for a mild hybrid system. Utilizing an efficient 1.3 litre, i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine, the Insight's advanced, IMA utilizes an ultra-thin, compact electric motor that adds power during acceleration and certain cruising situations and recaptures energy during braking. The insight is not a full hybrid, meaning the car will not run solely on the electric motor for any meaningful periods of time. Rather, the gas engine engages during almost any driving condition and is "assisted" by the electric motor which is basically lending a hand in the propulsion duties.

A new, interactive, driver-focused fuel-economy-enhancement technology named the Ecological Drive Assist System (Eco Assist) debuted on the new Honda Insight. The Insight's unique Eco Assist™ technology modifies various vehicle systems to minimize overall energy use and maximize fuel efficiency – all at the push of the ECON button. Plus with the Eco Guide feedback system, the Insight actually encourages you to become a more fuel-efficient driver. The system monitors immediate driving habits and indicates how efficiently you are accelerating, braking, or cruising by changing the speedometer background colour from blue to green (or bad to good). The Eco Guide also features a long-term, cumulative scoring system located in the Multi-Information Display that rewards owners with green "leaves" as their driving performance improves over time. Do real well and you may end up with a tree.

Even though the Insight is not a full hybrid, its fuel consumption ratings are still impressive. Manufacturer's specs indicate combined fuel mileage of 4.8L / 100km (49 mpg). Two trim levels are available, the LX at just over $25,000 (including freight and PDI) and the better-equipped EX starting at almost $29,000 which is very near the price for the Honda Civic hybrid which, by the way, offers 12 more hp, the same amount of torque, almost identical fuel mileage and a more recognizable exterior. If you want a unique Honda hybrid then go for the Insight. If you want a little more subtlety then perhaps the Civic hybrid would be a better choice. The new Insight adds yet another model to the growing list of gas and electric vehicles on the market.

If Only – Ferrari 458 Italia
When you think of exotic cars Ferrari always comes to mind as a top contender with their history of producing some of the most phenomenal sports cars ever built. The new 458 Italia continues this tradition in that it is an even more spectacular model than the outgoing car. Replacing the F430 that, in itself, is an outstanding automobile, the 458 raises the bar even higher. Utilizing the same mid-engine format this slightly larger 4.5-litre flat-crank, direct-injected V-8 produces an astonishing 562 hp and 398 lb-ft of torque and redlines at a screaming 9000 rpm. Mated to a seven-speed, dual-clutch automatic (de rigueur for today's sporting automobiles) this Ferrari will blast to 62 mph in just 3.4 seconds on its way to a dizzying top speed of 202 mph. Thankfully, carbon-ceramic composite brake discs are standard on this beast so reining in those excessively high speeds are accomplished in a race-car-like fashion. On that note Ferrari uses a lot of its Formula 1 racing experience and development on their road cars and it shows. The steering-wheel mounted Menettiono switch gives you the ability to control complex vehicle dynamics like suspension settings and transmission shifting patterns providing this car with the flexibility to be an everyday sports car or track-ready racer. This latest Ferrari has been designed by long-time partner Pininfarina and the result is stunning. Aggressive, muscular, exotic are but a few terms that come to mind when looking at this incredible machine. The interior is both luxurious yet refined and has been designed with total dedication to the art of driving….fast. So Ferrari has once again climbed to the top of the exotic sports car heap with the 458 Italia. If I had US$225,000 to spare and Ferrari would allow me to purchase one, the 458 would definitely be in my garage (when I wasn't on the street causing windows to shake and scaring small children).