Subcompact Culture - The small car blog

Our Suzuki SX4 gets a BajaRack roof rack

2012-02-13T13:06:00.000-08:00

I've praised the versatility of roof racks for some time, especially on a small car. Our Suzuki SX4 has had bike racks, ski racks, enclosed cargo boxes, and just the crossbars on its roof. Now we can add another attachment to the list: a BajaRack Mule.

We installed this roof rack yesterday, and it'll be a great way to stow additional cargo. Whether its a cooler or firewood for camping, a larger item purchased while shopping, or just stowing gear on a road trip, the Baja Rack Mule will prove to be a versatile roof accessory.

BajaRack has become one of the top manufacturers of roof racks, especially in the overlanding world. The unit is very well made and quite stout; it is powdercoated and comes with a front fairing for aerodynamics. It also comes with the necessary hardware and is easy to install. It has a 300 lb. capacity, which outweighs the roof rail's capacity. The total weight is 38 lbs. We used the included mounts and attached it to our Thule rack system. It fits like it was made specifically for it.

One of the best things about the Mule rack is its size: It looks perfectly at home on a smaller vehicle. I've seen some roof baskets that dwarf the car. Not this one—it's the perfect size for an SX4 or other subcompact. Big enough for gear, small enough not to look awkward. Also, the price isn't too bad at about $295.

I'd highly recommend this basket for those looking to invest in a great way to carry more gear on their vehicle, big or small. Can't wait for our next road trip; who wants to go camping?

LINK
BajaRack

Quick Ride: Genuine Scooter Stella

2012-02-12T22:24:00.000-08:00

I'm Scott, a friend of Andy's who he has invited to contribute to the site. If you remember the 200,000 mile Honda Civic that was posted recently, that was mine. I'll be writing about small motorcycles. These have a lot in common with small cars: economical, tons of fun, and we never seem to get the really cool ones they have in Asia and Europe.

The Genuine Scooter Company Stella is made by LML in India and imported to the States by the Genuine Scooted Company, they are sold under different names in other countries. At first look you might think it's just a restored Vespa. It certainly has the look: stamped all steel frame and body, headlight and speedo blended into the handlebars, spare 10" tire tucked under the side cover with the battery. Wait, is that a front disc brake? Starting the engine dissolves the illusion entirely with a notable lack of 2-stroke blue haze. While lots about this bike is traditional it now has a clean burning 147.5cc 4-stroke engine. They are made under license from Piaggio and many parts are a direct swap with the Vespa PX150.

So how does it ride? I took one for a scoot through town and some local country roads. Simply put, it's a blast! With about 10hp in a light machine the bike easily keeps up with in town traffic. Handling is light and precise. You don't need to steer or even look, just think about where you want to go and the bike goes there. The brakes (front disc and drum rear) are more than adequate and give good feedback. Getting out to the twisty roads in the hills and I could open the bike up a bit. It had no trouble getting up to 45mph with my 220 lb. aboard, even going up the hills. At that speed the handling starts to get a bit squirrely so I didn't push it much farther. There's no instability or wobbling but with a short wheelbase and 10" wheels it's definitely sensitive to input. The Genuine website claims a 60+ MPH top speed and my mechanic rides his older two stroke on the freeway all the time, so it is possible if you're willing.

The twist grip shifter takes a little getting used to. The left side lever activates the clutch like any modern motorcycle but the shifting is indexed into the grip with neutral being straight out, first gear a twist down from there, and three more gears a twist up each. Due to this the clutch lever may be pointing at the ground, the sky, or straight ahead at any given time depending on what gear you're in. It's odd if you've never seen it before but quick and easy to master. The right side lever for the front brake points straight forward and due to the handlebar design is non-adjustable. I generally like the levers pointed down a bit for comfort but it's a small quibble. The turn signals were also a surprise in that there is an integrated beeper that sounds like a truck backing up when they're on. I'm sure you'd never forget it was on but if I bought one I'd probably cut the wire to it the first week.

Fit and finish is really quite good. Nothing rattles or buzzes and the panels all match up quite well. The paint is well done and all the bits and pieces bolt on cleanly. There's no denying the charm and style and though it looks small I had no trouble fitting my 6' frame on for the ride. It might get a bit crowded if I was taking a passenger, but then again how far would I really be going? This is an in town bike. Speaking of 'in town', this bike is EPA rated for 140MPG city. Astounding!

MSRP is currently $3699, plus a few hundred more for freight and prep. It's really quite a charming and capable little bike with a style second to none. If you mostly stay in town and close by areas it's about as cool as you can get for around $4000, and you get to thumb your nose at the oil companies with every twist of the wrist!

Awesome off-road mini truck

2012-02-09T22:15:00.000-08:00

Really, what else is there to say about this 4WD Daihatsu Hijet kei truck other than it's awesome? I wonder if it comes with the dog? Yes, I'll take one of each, thanks. This isn't the first time I've posted this up here, but this is a much better picture. So much want. This was another small rig at The King of the Hammers off-road race in Johnson Valley, CA.

Mini Mitsubishi in the desert

2012-02-07T22:50:00.000-08:00

I'm currently outside of Yucca Valley, CA for the 2012 Griffin King of the Hammers race. This rock racing event attracts thousands of people for a week's worth of off-road goodness. It also bring out a huge variety of off-road vehicles to both race and spectate. While actually not the only Kei truck at the event, this little Mitsubishi Minicab stuck out in a crowd of enormous 4x4s. Since it was located where it was on a sandy hill, I'm assuming it's a 4WD model; even on its tiny highway tires it made there. I'll see if I can snag some more photos of the small trucks at this year's King of the Hammers.

You can see all kinds of photos from the event on Warn Industries' Facebook page.

The Teal Terror gets a matching spare

2012-02-07T03:30:00.000-08:00

Until last week, I had an old, bald-ass 205/75/15 spare tire on the original Suzuki 15x5 spare wheel. In addition to being bald and undersized (I now run 235/75/75 BFGoodrich All-Terrain tires), it also didn't match my other wheels. So I bit the bullet and bought a matching spare wheel from Summit Racing: A 15x7 U.S. Wheel Series 37 in all of its bling-blingness. I always figured once I got my wheel, I'd just buy a used 235/75/15 tire so it matched in size and so it had enough tread in case I actually needed to use it. However, I ended up with something much better.

Browsing Portland's craigslist ads, I found a brand-new 235/75/15 Goodyear Silent Armor tire—a very nice rubber doughnut, indeed. Not only that, but I picked it up for $55! Plus the dude was totally cool.

So the Teal Terror continues to evolve, and continues to prove you don't need to spend big bucks to have big fun.

2012 Toyota Prius C: The smaller hybrid

2012-02-06T12:02:00.000-08:00

Toyota has been expanding its popular line of hybrids recently. They first introduced the Prius V—a larger Prius in the form of a wagon. Toyota is also going the smaller direction with the all-new Prius C. Based on a stretched Yaris chassis, the Prius C (the "C" stands for "city") has very familiar exterior dimensions, and even appears to share a few parts with the Yaris, such as the rear cargo interior panels. Under the hood is a 1.5-liter gasoline engine and electric motor producing of 99 horsepower, and mated to a CVT. The car weighs around 2,500 lbs., or roughly 500 less than a standard Prius.

Toyota is saying the Prius C will get as much as 53 MPG and can cost under $19,000. Those are pretty good numbers, and higher than a Prius sedan.

The car's interior is unique to this model (e.g. it's not just a Yaris interior). I'm not a huge fan of the upper gauge opening, but that's just me. Overall, it's not bad at all. Both front and rear seats offered plenty of comfort for my 5'7" frame, and my 6'0" friend Scott agreed.

The Prius is a very popular vehicle here in the Pacific Northwest, and I'd expect this Prius C to continue nameplate's popularity. I've seen quite a few Prius Vs around already, and won't be surprised to see scads of Prius Cs around Portland in the near future.

In the driveway: 2012 Mitsubishi MiEV

2012-02-03T16:13:00.000-08:00

Every now and then I get to review a car that a lot of people are very curious about. The Mitsubishi MiEV is one of them. Parked next to my co-worker's huge Chevy, the i looks even smaller than it really is. Lots of co-workers have noticed it and want to check it out.

Being 100% electric, there are all kinds of new things to figure out with the car. How much range you lose with the heater. How to open the charging ports. Where the hell to plug the thing in. I got the rundown from the fleet company last night. Very interesting vehicle.

Rear drive, rear motor, rear battery. Tiny 145/65/15 tires up front (yes 145mm). I've only put about 12 miles on it thus far, but it is very different than the Nissan Leaf. It does not feel as substantial nor as powerful. It also doesn't have quite the range.

I actually like the look; it's almost a bit alien. I expect a flock of rubberneckers when Mercedes and I drive it around Portland tomorrow. This will continue to be interesting, I'm sure. Stay tuned.

January 2012 subcompact sales

2012-02-03T03:00:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the first of the 2012 subcompact sales reports. Right out of the gate, the Mazda2 hit the ground running, up more than 530%. The Kia Rio, MINI Countryman, and Toyota Yaris, all did quite a bit better than they did in January 2011.

The big loser (not counting the '11 Aveo) was again the Nissan Cube, down a staggering 72.2%. Honda's diminutive CR-Z two-seater was down close to 60%, too.

Make/Model	Jan. '12 vs. Jan.'11	Units, Jan. '12	YTD Jan. '12 vs. Jan. '11	YTD Sales
Mazda2	+532.6%	3030	+532.6%	3030
Kia Rio	+169.6%	2596	+169.6%	2596
MINI Countryman	+83.5%	1259	+83.5%	1259
Toyota Yaris	+63.7%	3010	+63.7%	3010
Kia Soul	+51.4%	8091	+51.4%	8091
Nissan Versa	+8.5%	9418	+8.5%	9418
MINI Cooper/S Hardtop	+5.5%	1584	+5.5%	1584
Scion xD	+4.2%	652	+4.2%	652
Hyundai Accent	+2.3%	4341	+2.3%	4341
Honda Fit	-11.0%	3839	-11.0%	3839
Ford Fiesta	-18.0%	3502	-18.0%	3502
Suzuki SX4	-22.0%	753	-22.0%	753
Nissan Juke	-24.7%	2330	-24.7%	2330
MINI Cooper/S Clubman	-35.8%	219	-35.8%	219
MINI Cooper/S Convertible	-43.2%	126	-43.2%	126
Honda CR-Z	-59.4%	363	-59.4%	363
Nissan Cube	-72.2%	461	-72.2%	461
Chevrolet Aveo	-99.4%	16	-99.4%	16
Chevrolet Sonic	--	5712	--	5712
Fiat 500	--	1911	--	1911
Smart ForTwo	--	496	--	496
Scion iQ	--	374	--	374
MINI Coupe	--	146	--	146

Fiat previews larger 500L

2012-02-02T07:39:00.000-08:00

Fiat is previewing its larger 500L ahead of the Geneva Motor Show. FYI, the "L" stands for "large." In Europe, it'll have two gas engines and a diesel option. No word on a U.S. arrival.

Personally, I think the L could stand for "L'ugly." I do not like the look at all. Its wheels look too small. The rear side glass gets that MINI Countryman treatment (which I don't like on either car), and the whole thing just looks awkward to me. Gone is the unique style of the 500 two door; this version looks much more generic to me. It could be sold by anyone.

I'd be willing to bet this model will show up in U.S. Fiat Studios, but it may be too understated and nondescript for major appeal.

Does this Chevrolet 'Spark' your interest?

2012-02-01T20:33:00.000-08:00

I'd seen the Chevrolet Spark in person at the SEMA Show, however, this is the first time I'd seen the vehicle in person in stock form.

I find it incredibly interesting that Chevrolet is dipping its toe in the in the A-segment water against vehicles like the Scion iQ, Fiat 500, and Smart ForTwo. The car's proportions look very Euro/Asian; smallish wheels, tall, upright body. It's been on sale in other markets for some time.

If Chevy prices this guy right—1.2 liter engine and all—it might be the breakthrough A-segment car that no manufacturer has been able to capitalize on yet (granted, the iQ just came out, and this hasn't hit the streets). I'll be following the Spark closely.

LINK
Chevrolet Spark (official Site)

Subcompact Showcase: Wryann's 1971 Honda N600

2012-01-30T09:08:00.000-08:00

"A lot of people are under the impression that micro cars are something new," says Wryann VanRiper. Wryann owns VIP Performance in Portland, OR. For the last 9 months, Wryann has been restoring a 1971 Honda N600.

The N600 was Honda's first car sold in the U.S., and much like the AZ600 (the "sporty" model) we featured in September, 2009, they've picked up a cult following. Wryann's N600 is also an example of the growing interest in restoring vintage Japanese cars.

So why an N600? Wryann says a friend of his started to get into micro cars and he helped him go pick up a classic mini cooper in northern California. He got to drive the car and started to like smaller cars.

"The classic mini cooper was not for me; I looked at all kinds of smaller cars. And then last year I took a trip to Hot August nights and spotted the Honda N600 I knew it was the car for me," said Wryann. He is already into building late-model Hondas/Acuras and owns a 1995 civic coupe with over 650 whp. "I guess you could also call me a Honda enthusiast," he says. Yes, I'd say that's a fair assessment.

Wryann bought the car in May 2011 in Kennewick, Washington, and it was very disassembled but also rust-free. It needed a lot of parts, so he got a body-damaged parts car in Portland, OR.

The first step to the restoration was putting the car back together. The engine was out and needed repair, and it took about two months just getting it running and drivable. Once drivable, Wryann drove the car about 500 miles to make sure the drive train was sound.

Going for the complete restoration, Wryann started to collect all the needed parts: reproduction under hood stickers, carpets, headliner, taillights, and many other bits and pieces here and there. At the end of summer, 2011 he disassembled the car and handed it off to his paint and body guy. The next two months were spent doing body and paint. In mid November, Wryann started putting the car back together—something he said was somewhat of an overwhelming experience. But little by little, the N600 started to come together. Next thing he knew, he was turning the key and driving the car out of the shop (one-and-a-half months later).

Wryann fitted an extra front sway bar on the rear by bending it, mounting it along the axle, and attaching it to the body at the front leaf spring mounts. He cut the front springs down slightly and put blocks under the rear axle. The end result was a stance about two inches lower.

"Now that the car is all put back together, I'm going to focus on the smaller details of the restoration. I'm still looking for a few small things, tool kit, factory stereo knob, etc.," says Wryann, "but I'm also going to enjoy the car by driving it and taking it to classic car shows."

After more then 300 hours of restoration and plenty of support from his wife, Wryann has a killer little vintage Honda micro car.

"Getting into little cars would be a good direction as a car enthusiast," he says. "I believe people can really appreciate the economy factor of micro cars."

A very cool little vehicle, Wryann, and thanks for sharing.

If you'd like to see your car featured on Subcompact Culture, have a story idea, or would like to write for Subcompact Culture feel free to send me an e-mail.

2013 Fiat 500 Abarth: The classic hot-hatch recipe

2012-01-29T16:57:00.000-08:00

After much anticipation, it's here: The Fiat 500 Abarth. Like any hot hatch, it follows the classic formula: small size, and big power. In this case, it's 160 hp and 170 ft./lbs. of torque from the 1.4-liter turbocharged Multiair engine. Power is routed through a five-speed manual transmission. Hells yeah.

Other Abarth goodies include a revised sport suspension, 17" wheels with stickier tires, a unique interior with racing-style seats, and Abarth-only exterior treatments. This includes a dual-outlet exhaust, rear diffuser, and front lip. Of course there is also the distinctive Abarth "scorpion" badging and graphics.

Chrysler/Fiat says 0-60 should be in the low seven-second range, and top speed is around 130-ish. And while there is no limited-slip differential, the car uses a special system that uses the brakes to shift power to the wheel that needs grip.

There's little doubt that that this hot-hatch is going to be a hoot to drive. Pricing should be around $22,500. Looking forward to this one.

Review: 2012 Mazda3 i Grand Touring SKYACTIV: The frugal driving enthusiast’s car

2012-01-27T05:00:00.000-08:00

The Mazda 3 SKYACTIV has noteworthy driving dynamics, a great interior, and is fuel efficient. Photo by Curtis Reesor.

Ever since the Mazda3 debuted 2004, it’s been known as a “driver’s car.” Great driving dynamics and responsive engines—both normally aspirated as well as turbocharged—have made and continue to make this an enthusiast’s choice among many “driving appliances.” For 2012, Mazda has released another 3 model, this time setting its sights on efficiency. Called SKYACTIV, this 3 comes with a high-compression 2.0-liter four cylinder engine with direct injection, and unique body/chassis features that help the ’12 Mazda 3 join the ranks of other compact sedans that now get 40 MPG on the highway. Welcome to the club.

At first glance, this 3 with SKYACTIV technology seems just like every other sedan model in the 3 lineup, but it isn’t. The body on the SKYACTIV model is 8% lighter and the chassis is 30% stiffer. These factors help the 3 achieve its EPA estimated 28 MPG city and coveted 40 MPG highway rating when equipped with the SKYACTIV-DRIVE six-speed automatic. You can’t really see all this technology. But what you can see on the outside is a mix of distinctive styling that also happens to be a bit on the bland side. There’s no mistaking this is a Mazda 3, but it doesn’t quicken my pulse. But there are many other aspects of the car that are outstanding.

Photo by Curtis Reesor

Looks aside, the SKYACTIV-G engine offers up 155 hp and 148 ft./lbs. of torque. Our test model came equipped with the aforementioned six-speed automatic with manual shifting ability. Shifts are smooth, and the manual shifting is better than average. The SKYACTIV-G engine is meant for fuel economy. In fact Mazda claims 15% more than other non-turbo 3s. Unfortunately, it often feels like it’s built for fuel economy. Acceleration isn’t all that brisk, and throttle response was slightly awkward. At slower speeds, there is enough torque to keep things engaging, though.

Luckily, like most Mazda vehicles, this one has outstanding driving dynamics. The steering, the seating position, the way things just seem to all come together—yes, this is still a driver’s car at its core. The 16” alloy wheels and 205/55/16 tires aren’t of the high-performance variety, but they aid in giving the car a compliant ride. In fact, we loaded the 3 up with three other people for a 250 mile drive into the Columbia River Gorge, and it rode smoothly and comfortably. In fact, it’s hard to tell you’re in a compact car at points. One of the car’s highlights is its steering. It’s wonderfully weighted and feels very precise. Cornering is done confidently with minimal body roll. This proved that the 3 is just as at home in the curves as it is cruising the interstate.

Since this was the Grand Touring model it had every bell and whistle you could want. It had features you likely wouldn’t expect on a compact, let alone a compact that costs less than $25,000. I’m talking about features like blind spot detection, outstanding heated leather seats (with five heat levels) and an eight-way adjustable driver’s seat. But wait, there’s more! The car also has an easy-to-use navigation system, a 10-speaker 265-watt Bose stereo, and an optional interior illumination kit that emitted a blue glow in the foot wells. To top it off, this 3 had rain sensing wipers and pivoting adaptive Xenon headlights that turn with the steering wheel. These are features I’d expect on a $40,000+ luxury car, but not on a Mazda 3. Every time I got in the 3 it felt like a much more expensive vehicle. Very nice, and quite the bargain.

The only interior qualm I came across, I actually didn’t experience. Rather, the issue came to me via passenger feedback. Three passengers, all between 5’10” and 6’1”, commented about being uncomfortable in the 3 in both the front and back seats. However, us shorter folk (5’7” or under) found the car comfortable. Everyone found the 3’s trunk to be spacious. We were easily able to put two large suitcases plus some backpacks in the trunk.

A great deal at under $25,000, the Mazda 3 i Grand Touring SKYACTIV has a lot to offer. Photo by Curtis Reesor

After logging more than 305 miles on the 3, we were able to average 32 MPG—1 MPG over the EPA combined estimate. Hey, not bad. Add to this a remarkable combination of interior design and build quality mixed with a heaping helping of technology, and the 3 is a unique package. Although its looks might not be terribly exciting, it is a very nice vehicle overall and a heck of a deal. With notable fuel economy, a great interior with plenty of tech goodness, fantastic driving dynamics, and a sensible price, this car should be on every compact car shopper’s list, so long as you’re under 5’10”.

In the flesh: 2013 Dodge Dart Rallye

2012-01-26T13:54:00.000-08:00

Dodge brought the all-new 2012 Dart to the 2012 Portland International Auto Show, and I'll say—it's a good looking compact car. The overall shape is very attractive, sleek, and modern. It's the first time Dodge has had a C-segment sedan in the lineup since the departure of the Dodge/Plymouth Neon. Unlike the Ford Focus, Mazda3, or Kia Forte, the Dart is only available as a sedan. The Dart's underpinnings are based on the Alfa Romeo Giulietta, but has been modified for the North American market.

The Dart will be powered by one of three four-cylinder engines:
• 2.0-liter normally aspirated Tigershark engine (160 hp/145 ft. lbs. torque)
• 1.4-liter turbocharged Multiair engine (160 hp/184 ft. lbs. torque)
• 2.4-liter normally aspirated Tigershark Multiair engine (184 hp/174 ft. lbs. torque)
Fuel economy data has not been released, but I'm betting one of those powerplants will net 40 MPG on the highway.

There will be a number of trim levels; the Rallye model pictured here has the 1.4-liter Multiair engine. A higher-performance R/T package will be available with the 2.4-liter engine as well as suspension upgrades.

Dart features a fully independent suspension with different spring rates per the different models (base, Rallye, R/T). All Darts come with four-wheel disc brakes. There is no limited slip differential, but the effect of such a unit is mimicked using the vehicle's braking system. There will be as many as six wheel choices, too.

Dart's interior looks well designed, too. There is an army of airbags, a good amount of storage, and a cavernous glove box. We were told the gauge cluster will be customizable with nearly 150 different options.

Around back, the tail lamp treatment may look familair. That's because it is similar to that found on the Dodge Charger. The Dart uses more than 120 LEDs to created the "racetrack" look, as Dodge calls it. Only the corners and center brake lights illuminate when stopping, though. The dual exhausts look muscular; I like the appearence.

Dart's front fascia is sleek and menacing. The lower grille section has louvers that open and close to increase fuel economy. Proejctor head lamps are standard; Xenon lamps are optional.

I think Dodge has a hit on its hands. This is an attractive car with a plethora of available features, tons of options through both Dodge and Mopar, and a host of powertrains.

We're off to the 2012 Portland International Auto Show

2012-01-25T10:48:00.000-08:00

And we're off! Granted it's about 15 minutes from my house, but still. Subcompact Culture is headed to the 2012 Portland International Auto Show for media day. One of the cool things about this show is that it's nearly right after the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, so we often are one of the first smaller market cities to see the latest debuts from the Motor City. For instance I'm told a 2013 Dodge Dart will be at the show, so stay tuned for photos of that and a host of other cars/trucks from the show.

For any locals, the show runs January 26-29 and it's located at the Oregon Convention Center.

LINK
Portland International Auto Show

In the driveway: 2012 Honda Civic Si

2012-01-24T16:50:00.000-08:00

Ah, the Civic Si. That bastion of boy-racerdom mixed with wonderful driving dynamics, a wonderfully manic engine, and a typically great suspension. At least that's what I thought when I first drove the car. After driving it about 60 miles, I still think that.

I'm not in love with the car's shape, though. I just keep waiting to fall in love with it, but it hasn't happened. However, I am in love with the 2.4-liter i-VTEC engine, amazing shifter, and great cornering.This car is so much fun to drive; tere is a lot of "woo hoo!" factor here especially when the VTEC kicks in ... yo.

More later—stay tuned.

The Teal Terror hits the snows of Mt. Hood National Forest

2012-01-23T13:22:00.000-08:00

The "Teal Terror" (project '95 Suzuki Sidekick) went on its second snow run last weekend outside of Estacada, Oregon with some of my co-workers. On last year's run, the vehicle was 100% stock and not tuned up, but it still did well. This year, had the 2" BDS Suspension lift, the Shrockworks front bumper, the WARN VR8000-s winch, 235/75/15 BF Goodrich All-Terrain tires on 15x7 steel wheels, a new Bestop soft top, as well as a host of maintenance.

Yes, I did get the opportunity to test the winch out, too. There was lotst of deep. heavy snow this year and it was very easy to get mired in it. In fact, I helped a woman get her Toyota 4Runner out of a snowbank. The winch worked great, as did the other parts. Thankfully, the heater works well, too.

Yes, the Teal Terror did get stuck a couple of times, too and needed a tug, but overall, the trucklet did very well. The additional two inches of lift really helped this year, as I wasn't pushing snow with the independent front suspension as much this year.

Next up, I have a set of WARN lights I need to install, I need to wire up the trailer hitch, and it's about time I replace the old stock spare tire and wheel with a matching unit. All in due time.

Review: 2012 Kia Soul ! (Exclaim): More power, economy, and gears for Kia's funky hamstermobile

2012-01-20T13:17:00.000-08:00

Hamsters. There, I said it. The Kia Soul is associated with Hamsters, and I can't tell you how many times I heard that when I had this car for the week. But you know what? It's become a well-known vehicle, thanks in part to those hamsters, and to the fact this is a good overall vehicle. In terms of sales, the Soul has been a very good car for Kia since its debut as a 2010 model. In fact, it's also helped bolster the company's image as hip, fun, and affordable. For 2012, they’ve taken the successes of the earlier models models, added a new engine, transmission, some exterior restyling, and in-car “infotainment”, and improved upon an already successful formula.
The ’12 Soul’s shape remains nearly the same as the previous model, with minor changes to the headlamps, front fascia, and taillamps. Our Soul! (aka “Exclaim”) had stylish 18” wheels, and an attractive “Moss” paintjob. It's still funky, fresh, and distinctive.

From an interior design standpoint the Soul shines. The interior is modern and attractive. Our test vehicle had a cream/black motif and it worked. We liked the center dash stack, too. It incorporated Kia’s touch-screen UVO entertainment system, great connectivity, and a wonderful backup camera. And with one of the crispest sound systems around, courtesy of Infinity, the interior rocks out, too. Add to it the well-known door speakers with pulsating multi-color illumination, and you’ve got yourself a mobile night club. (Have no fear—they can be turned off.) Interior space is generous and the rear cargo area is more than sufficient. The cloth seats, complete with hound’s tooth interior accents, are comfortable, although they could’ve used a bit more support. They were noticeably more comfortable than the seats found on the ’10 Soul Sport I tested back in 2009.

The biggest improvement, however, is the new 164 hp. 2.0-liter engine, up from 142 hp. It is mated to the also-new six-speed automatic transmission—two more gears than past Souls—with manual shifting capability. This thing really gets up and goes. I was quite surprised by the amount of thrust. Even with the automatic transmission, the Soul moves out well from all speeds. It is a bit on the noisy side though. There was also a slight vibration in the car at idle. Regardless, it never feels underpowered.

Our Soul Exclaim rode softly and comfortably, and cornered similarly. While not track star in the corners, the ride is admirable. Whereas the ’10 Kia Soul Sport we previously tested rode stiffly but cornered precisely, the Exclaim is more agreeable, especially on the highway but loses some of its quick moves. By the way, there is no more Sport model for ’12.

So we’ve got more power, more comfort, and even more fuel economy. Our Soul was EPA rated at 26 MPG city, 34 MPG highway, which is another improvement over the previous model years.

Really, there is a lot to like with the Soul’s latest update. The price of our Soul Exclaim test vehicle was $20,350, including destination, which is up about $2,000 from the ’10 Sport we tested. That is on par with competitors, such as the Nissan Cube and Scion xB. You can top it off with Kia’s outstanding warranty, too. You definitely won't have to sell your soul for a Soul. It’s a good car that still has plenty of personality, and lots to offer. And the hamsters. Did we mention the hamsters?

The Teal Terror gets a WARN winch

2012-01-20T11:59:00.000-08:00

Finally got around to installing a WARN VR8000-s winch on The Teal Terror. A winch is a great addition to any off-road vehicle simply because if you get stuck, you can pull yourself out. And if your buddy gets stuck, you can pull him/her out, too.

This winch has an 8,000 lb. capacity—more than enough for such a small rig, but allows you to pull heavier vehicles, too—and features the company's new Spydura synthetic rope (hence the "-s" in the name). Since synthetic rope is lighter weight than traditional metal cable, the winch's overall weight is 62 lbs. compared to 80 lbs. with wire rope. This is a nice factor on a small, lightweight vehicle, such as the Sidekick. Plus, synthetic rope is also easy to handle. Like all winch rope, this needs to be stretched before actually using it to pull, so that's in the works for this afternoon, as tomorrow I'm going wheeling with some co-workers in the snow. Pics to follow.

ColtVista.com aims to connect Expo, Summit, and of course, Colt Vista fans (yes, they're out there)

2012-01-18T12:57:00.000-08:00

Let's face it: There's a website for nearly everything out there. However, there has never been a very good place dedicated to getting information about the Dodge Colt Vista and later Plymouth Colt Vista/Eagle Summit Wagon/Mitsubishi Expo tall wagons; at least not since I shut down the Mitsubishi Expo LRV Pages in 1999 after trading in my '92 Expo LRV. However, there is now a place for those looking for a DSM tall wagon community: ColtVista.com

It's true—there aren't many of us out there that are enthusiastic about these vehicles, but we do exist (yes, I'm one of them). Heck, mine had a custom exhaust, custom intake, and a few other goodies. It was a great vehicle, and I'd love to pick another one up some day as a 4G63T sleeper project.

So whether you want to share a story about your Colt Vista, are looking for parts for your '93 Eagle Summit Wagon, or simply want to connect with other tall-wagon fans, check out ColtVista.com. I already signed up.

Thanks to Subcompact Culture reader "smitty" for the tip.

LINK
ColtVista.com

How to Prep your Car for Winter (Brought to you by AutoAnything.com)

2012-01-18T00:00:00.000-08:00

Old Man Winter has no sympathy for you or your ride. Give him an evenly-matched fight this season with the perfect winter driving accessories to protect your vehicle. A set of performance wiper blades ensures your vision is crystal clear for safe driving in those harsh conditions. Kick it up a notch with a set of heated wiper blades that keep your view crystal clear, even in snowy weather. Or, protect your entire windshield with a durable windshield cover. Crafted from long-lasting materials, a windshield cover guards the whole surface of your windshield from extreme cold weather conditions, including ice. No more frostbitten fingers and scraping your windshield before your daily commute. What better way to take on tough winter weather than by hittin' the slopes or trails for some serious outdoor adventures.

You can't go out into the elements without gearing up your vehicle with all the essentials that ensure your drive is as smooth as possible. Start by clasping a sturdy set of snow chains to your tires to get you and your family to your destination safely. Available in a variety of sizes and styles, snow chains provide impressive traction in the heaviest of snow. Now that you have your wheels taken care of, make sure you have plenty of room for all your passengers by installing a high-capacity ski rack or roof rack on top of your ride. Tailored to perfectly fit your vehicle, a roof rack increases your cabin space and allows you to store more equipment on top of your ride. No more messy interior from frozen skis and snowy gear. And, to get all your snow toys out there on the trails, load up your vehicle with a trailer hitch. Custom-designs combined with easy installations mean that you spend less time in the garage and more time playing in the snow. So, get a jumpstart this season, bundle up and go enjoy that winter wonderland.

Please be sure to support Subcompact Culture sponsor AutoAnything.cohttp://www.autoanything.comm!

Five-door Fiat 500 on the way. Will it broaden appeal?

2012-01-17T13:18:00.000-08:00

It wasn't that long ago that if you wanted a hatchback in the U.S., the only five-door model was the VW Golf. Nowadays, it's basically the opposite: Most hatchbacks are five-doors, with the exception of the Toyota Yaris, MINI Cooper, and VW Golf, which are available in both configurations (yeah, the Smart ForTwo and Scion iQ city cars are only three doors, but who asked you anyway?). Then there's the Fiat 500, which is a three-door only. Fiat sold less than 20,000 units in 2011; well short of their goal of 50,000 cars. Now there's news that Fiat is going to debut a five-door 500 at the Geneva Motor Show in March. Will making the 500 just that much bigger solve its sales debacle? Fiat was working on a somewhat larger 500 (thought to be tailor-made for the U.S. market) some time ago. However, as Autoblog said, if it's debuting at Geneva, it's likely for world-wide consumption.

But is it a bad thing? After all, MINI offers two extra doors on its Countryman and suicide-style doors on its Clubman, and all the other cool kids are doing five doors. Maybe it'll help round out the 500 in the States. Then again, perhaps Americans haven't forgotten about the last time Fiat was in the U.S., and are slow to return to the brand? Maybe the 500 is simply too small for most Americans? Maybe the A-segment simply won't make it here like it has in Europe and Asia? Yes, maybe size does matter. (Who doesn't love a good cliche from time to time?) Maybe we'll see an AWD Fiat 500 crossover?

Some media outlets are already asking the question, "Can A Fiat 500 Station Wagon Save Fiat?" Personally, I think it's too early to ask whether or not Fiat even needs to be saved. I mean c'mon—the car has barely even been on the market a year. Let's give it some time and see what happens. I can't imagine a five-door hurting things, but it could make the little Fiat appeal to more people.

The Teal Terror gets a winch

2012-01-17T08:00:00.000-08:00

The Teal Terror is getting a new part: A WARN VR8000-s winch. This winch features the company's Spydura synthetic rope that reduces weight and doesn't store as much potential energy under load. It includes a polished-aluminum hawse fairlead. The WARN VR-series winches are part of the WARN Entry Level Series and are a great deal for an outstanding product.

A winch is a great addition to an off-road vehicle simply because if you get stuck, you can get un-stuck.I'll be sure to post pics once I get it installed.

Our SX4 on the way up to the mountain

2012-01-16T21:22:00.000-08:00

Mercedes and I had relatives in town from New Zealand, and they wanted to go skiing up on Mt. Hood. Hey, twist our arms. On went the Thule rack, we loaded up the skis and snowboard, and up to Mt. Hood Meadows ski resort we went. The roads were pretty clear, so the i-AWD system didn't have to do too much work, but it was good to know it was there. The conditions were better than we expected, and a good time was had by all.

Mt. Hood is getting dumped on right now, so hopefully we'll be headed up the mountain again here soon, and we can put the i-AWD and General snow tires through their paces.

In the driveway: 2012 Mazda 3 i Grand Touring with SKYACTIV Technology

2012-01-11T13:15:00.000-08:00

In the driveway this week is the 2012 Mazda 3 i Grand Touring with the new SKYACTIV engine. What makes this engine so special? It is a gasoline-direct-injection mill that gets 29 city and 40 highway MPGs but still offers 155 hp.

This one is fully loaded with the Bose stereo, the six-speed auto, heated leather seats, and navigation. I really like the color. Not a huge fan of the sedan's somewhat bland overall look, but the trademarked "smiling" front end is still present. I do really like the interior, however.

As expected, this 3 has showcased Mazda's wonderful driving dynamics.overall thus far, although the 2.0-liter engine seems to have some odd throttle response. But hey, it's hard to argue about 40 MPG. This rig lists for $24,970, though—not cheap.

More about the Mazda later. Stay tuned.