RIDE HIGH WITH THE ALL-NEW 2012 HONDA CIVIC

Writer and car enthusiast Robert Atrino has a lot to say about the new civic.

The Honda Civic continues to be a popular choice among the best-selling compact sedans according to the folks at www.hondadealersnj.com in terms of reliability, fuel efficiency, build and its fun-to-drive features. The new Honda Civic 2012 ‘s 16-valve SOHC i-VTEC engine also offers a speedy performance of a 140-hp, 1.8 liter that has further undergone refinements in airflow enhancements and friction reduction, making this even more of a category leader in the compact sedan market segment.  The dealership make a compelling argument for the strengths of the civic on their website.

The new Civic embodies the ninth generation of Honda’s world renowned car product range.  Each new generation of the Honda Civic is an improvement of the last and is developed with specific themes in mind.  In this incarnation the vehicle adopts the basic concepts of a cutting edge design along with improved compactness.  Honda has directed its energy towards the introduction of new values in the design that advances the civic ahead of its competitors.  No slouch in this competitive niche, the civic continues to fill today’s driver’s needs, thus elevating the experience that Honda Civic exemplifies. Major steps taken in the new design include advancements, refinements, increased economy on gas on all its models, additional interactive technologies that represents convenience and personalization.   Honda also has developed improvements in terms of ride, performance and interior packaging from earlier models.

The extent of the Civic model range starts from its DX model with all its basic features to the EX-L model offering luxurious comforts like navigational system and upholstered leather. There are also the highly efficient fuel variant models like the hybrid and the new HF trim level. For those who go for performance and power, one can opt for the flashy Si coupe or sedan models.

Along its line of highly reliable units comes the new Civic Sedan which is totally redesigned from the inside and out. Loaded with detailed architecture and modern innovations, it features a new i-MID or intelligent Multi-Information Display that allows for personalization and ease in managing its many vital functions. Having a tough i-VTEC for an engine guarantees an exhilarating ride while its ECON button further provides more efficiency. With a lot of safety features packed in one car, riding a Honda Civic is such a breeze.

Performance Features of the 2012 Honda Civic:

• Comes in a new 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine with added horsepower of
201 – up to 2% and torque of 170 – up to 22% compared to its previous
engine of 2.0-liter
• Its 1.8-liter aluminum alloy i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine with an overhead
camshaft makes use of the latest in engineering techniques to achieve
a powerful 140 horsepower at the same time providing prime efficiency
on gas
• With PZEV or Partial Zero-Emission ratings on regular fuel
• Comes in an impressive EPA ratings due to engine modifications and
advanced aerodynamics
• Achieving a 28city/39 highway mpg and its enhanced structural rigidity
affords a more reactive handling
• All models with automatic transmissions have PZEV or Partial Zero
Emission Vehicle ratings on states adhering to CARB standards
• Options for a 5-speed automatic smooth shifting or a 5-speed manual
for its DX/LX modes

The industry is making improvements in this vehicle category and has now come up with a new array of compact cars that better equipped, attractive looking and fun to drive.  Thought this segment is more competitive than others, the Civic continues to hold its own against the other top four contenders among the best-selling compact sedans.  The Civic is definitely worth consideration for the new car buyer if they are also looking at the Elantra, Ford Focus, Cruze and Corolla.

The Elantra is stylish and sophisticated with richer interiors compared to the more staid Civic. It has the lightness and comfort of The Cruze and offers compelling concessions in terms of comfort, value, efficiency, style and packaging compared to other brands.

The Cruze is one of the heaviest and the largest among the group weighing in at 400 pounds more than the Civic, but only ships with a 138 horsepower and 1.4 liter turbo engine. By far the slowest among the group, its engine does offer the benefit of a refined and quiet ride while traveling down the interstate.

The Toyota Corolla ranks low among the group-lacking in both features and specs compared to the other options in the segment.   Also it lacks pep on acceleration, with the least in torque and power of the cars listed above.  It does however redeem itself somewhat by achieving mid-pack status when it comes to fuel efficiency.  Although it offers a very comfortable ride and is reasonably quiet on the road,  the other options offer a more compelling experience.

The Focus stands above all the five contenders when it comes to suspension, its chassis providing the best handling of a compact car. Ford has managed to replicate the experience feel of driving in a larger more costly model. The interior though is cramped and not comfortable compared to the other vehicles in the category.  Even the steering feels a bit on the heavy side, and isn’t as responsive as some of the other cars.

Honda has a more planted multilink back suspension and is more comfortable compared to the torsion-beam layouts used by Toyota, Hyundai and Chevrolet but has minimal handling hold over smooth paths. The most agile of the group due to its lightness, the Honda Civic is still a good contender when considering its reliability, good road manners, smart features, fuel efficiency and its great resale value.

MSRP ranges from $15,605 to $26,155.

2013 BMW M5: The new high end choice for anyone looking for more than your run of the mill sedan

Our friends at www.mercedesbenzdallas.net recently approached us and asked we do a quick review on the new BMW M5 sedan.  Not wanting to miss out on an opportunity to test drive an incredible vehicle, we decided to take them up on their offer an profile the automobile.

Not for the faint of heart with a list price of $92,000 for the base model, this vehicle appeals to the discerning driver looking for both style and function.  And is willing to pay a premium for it.  The M5 is both good for a comfortable ride around town, or, with the 32 valve V-8, for letting the horses out of the barn when the urge over takes you to push the vehicle to its full potential.  With a top speed of 192 mile per hour the M5 has the capacity to get you into real trouble with your local law  enforcement if you are not careful.  Honestly, with the incredible handling of this sedan, you will achieve a comfort level driving at high speeds that will surprise you.  Before you even realizing you it you may find you are doing significantly more than the posted speed limit on your local freeway.  The torque from the powerful engine will leave you with the feeling you are driving a diesel, and not a gas powered engine.  Like a knife cutting through butter, you will be amazed at the feeling you will experience throwing the M5 into long sweeping turns sweepers.  No need to slow down, just power on through.  Steering is also tighter than earlier models and responds quicker than you might expect from a sedan.

The M5 isn’t just fun to drive though it is practical too.  The pragmatic German engineers responsible for this efficient vehicle haven’t forgotten about fuel efficiency.  The goal according to BMW for this redesign was to increase the fuel efficiency by thirty percent from earlier models.  BMW achieves and offers so much more, all that is needed now is a hybrid version to stretch the fuel efficiency further.

If your budget allows a ride on the pricier side of the new car purchase equation the BMW M5 is worth a look.  For anyone  who wants a stylish vehicle which exudes comfort, performance, great handling and also has people in other cars taking a second look when you pull up next to them, the M5 sedan fills the bill.  And hey it is a BMW after all.  For a more intensive profile you can click here.

BMW M5 statistics

Engine position: front of the vehicle

Drive train: rear-wheel-drive,

Four door sedan which holds five passengers comfortably

ENGINE TYPE: fuel injected DOHC 32-valve V-8 twin-turbocharged and intercooled,

Power: 560 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque: 502 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm

Transmission: dual-clutch automatic 7 speed.  The M5 also has a manual shifting mode

Vehicle Dimensions:

Curb weight: 4300 pounds

Width: 74.4 inches

Height: 57.3 inches

Length: 193.3 inches

Wheelbase: 116.7 inches

Zero to 60 mph: 3.7 sec
Zero to 100 mph: 8.3 sec
Zero to 150 mph: 18.3 sec
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 4.6 sec
quarter mile: 12.0 sec @ 122 mph
Top speed 190 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 165 ft

EPA fuel economy, city driving: 17/22 mpg

VEHICLE TYPE: front-engine, rear-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan

ENGINE TYPE: twin-turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 32-valve V-8, aluminum block and heads, direct fuel injection

Displacement: 268 cu in, 4395 cc
Power: 560 hp at 6000 rpm
Torque: 502 lb-ft at 1500 rpm

TRANSMISSION: 7-speed dual-clutch automatic with manual shifting mode

DIMENSIONS:
Wheelbase: 116.7 in
Length: 193.3 in
Width: 74.4 in Height: 57.3 in
Curb weight: 4300 lb