2019 Ford Focus
Don鈥檛 get it twisted now, while there鈥檚 no mistaking the Focus for anything other than the economical compact it is, the overall vibe of the interior hints at concern in terms of the way it is assembled. Oh, and getting back to the SYNC system for a moment, the presence of voice activation in this price category is a remarkable thing. Seated at the steering wheel, you鈥檒l face an instrument pod with two main binnacles, a small-ish digital readout screen, a fuel gauge, and a coolant temperature gauge. The two main binnacles contain the speedometer and the tachometer. The steering wheel is adjustable to help improve the driving position, which for most people is first-rate. We鈥檝e already covered the center stack, so we won鈥檛 digress, however the front seats are more than up to the task at hand in terms of providing competent support and ease. Front seat passengers enjoy a great deal of both comfort and legroom.
In keeping with a longstanding Land Rover tradition, the LR2's cabin is roomy and flexible. The rear seat can comfortably accommodate two adults or three children, and folds flat to expand cargo capacity from 26.5 cubic feet to a maximum 58.9 cubic feet of space. You'll find plenty of Land Rover heritage inside the LR2 with traditional high-end materials and build quality. Although barely three inches longer than Land Rover's first small SUV, the Freelander, the LR2 gains almost four inches in wheelbase, which leads to a considerably larger cabin with adult-friendly seating space in the front and rear quarters. Both seat-up and seat-down cargo capacities are good for this class, and the rear bay is easily accessed by a large, one-piece rear hatch with a bumper-level cutout. The multifaceted 2009 Land Rover LR2 bolsters its impressive mechanical roster of all-wheel drive, Roll Stability Control (RSC), Terrain Response System, anti-lock brakes (ABS) and Hill Descent Control/Gradient Release Control with numerous people-pleasing touches.
The 2.4L engine models have a tow rating of 1500 pounds while the 3.0L models can tow up to 2000 pounds. When the larger engine is combined with the 4WD system, towing rates increase to 3500 pounds due to the larger stock radiator. Standard safety features include seat mounted front airbags, side impacts bags, roof mounted side curtain bags, head restraints, mandated frontal bags and child safety anchored seats. Active safety features include ABS braking, electronic brake force distribution (EBD), electronic stability and traction control systems, and tire pressure monitoring systems. The upscale interior is very pleasing. It features restyled door panels and tightened gaps. Classy metallic trim and a more compact control console accentuate the entire cabin. The new look is more refined and graceful than the previous models. The cabin has also been quieted and made to come off as more mature in all respects. Competition for the Mitsubishi Outlander comes from the Mazda CX-7, the Honda CR-V, the Chevy Equinox and the Ford Escape. Good value, impressive fuel economy, an extended standard warranty, a nice list of both standard and optional features and an elegant interior design are the highlights for the 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander. It's definitely worth your consideration.
The sport-oriented SX was better at 117 feet. In government crash tests, the Sportage received an overall rating of four stars (out of five) for front-wheel-drive models and five stars for all-wheel-drive versions, plus solid five-star ratings for frontal and side impacts. In Insurance Institute for Highway Safety crash testing, the Sportage received the highest rating of "Good" in the frontal-offset, side-impact and roof strength tests. Just as the 2013 Kia Sportage's aggressive exterior styling helps it stand out in a crowd, the handsome passenger cabin gives it an edge over several better-known competitors. There's no shortage of hard plastic, but it's nicely textured and there's a good amount of padding where it's needed. Front seats are comfortable and supportive, with decent head- and legroom. The 60/40-split rear seats are a bit tighter, with room for a couple of smaller adults. The fact that these seats don't slide up and back like those in some competitors is a weakness. Behind those rear seats is the Sportage's other principal shortcoming, namely its relatively small cargo hold. The 2013 Kia Sportage isn't exactly sporty, but it is more fun to drive than you might expect from a small crossover. Handling is quite good, a benefit from the firmly tuned suspension. Naturally there's a price to be paid here in the form of a ride quality that can be a tad on the rough side, especially with the SE model's sport suspension and 18-inch wheels. Acceleration with the 2.4-liter engine is decent enough and the transmission works well in both manual and fully automatic modes. The SE's turbocharged 2.0-liter delivers a healthy dose of acceleration and is a worthy alternative to the V6s found in competing crossovers.
Competitors in the Britpart MSA British Cross Country Championship will head to Myherin next weekend for the opening event in this year鈥檚 series. 鈥淭he car has had its frame blasted and painted after some weight reduction work and the Jaguar engine has been completely rebuilt with a few modifications,鈥?said Moran. 鈥淎fter problems with misting in the rain of Walters last year we've had a new heated screen fitted too. Tony Coid is returning as my navigator and has had a full course of exercise at a local gym! Paul Myers, from championship sponsor Britpart, will start at car 2 in his Land Rover Tornado after a successful 2014 season. Andy Powell will be next on the road in his Simmbugghini. Powell will have former BCCC driver Phil Ibbotson in the navigator鈥檚 seat again. The Jewson D-Max Rally Team have again entered the championship after a class-winning debut season last year in their Isuzu D-Max. The car will be driven by Jason Sharpe. After mixed fortunes last year Paul Harris is hoping for better luck this season in his GSR Maxilight.
