Vehicles Archives - Travelgirl

Want a classic reasonable sports car? Try the BMW 230i

Mary Welch — Tue, 19 Jul 2022 15:27:24 +0000

What’s the saying — “champagne tastes on a beer budget”? Well, pop the cork because the BMW 230i coupe is everything you want in a car — not to mention a BMW — without breaking the bank, selling the family silver or marrying someone for their money.

At a starting price of $36,350, it’s reasonably affordable and you get a whole lot more performance and style than the price tag suggests. The car we drove had the Dynamic Handling, M Sport and Premium packages, which tacked on an additional $10,000, but still, the 2301 coupe is a great way to start what probably will be a lifetime of buying BMWs. It’s a great luxury car. It offers confident handling and sharp styling. In many ways it offers best in class amenities and even when it’s not at the top of the class — it’s still pretty darn great.
This compact, rear-wheel drive beauty is peppy and uses an eight-speed automatic transmission to add the needed “pep.” A 2.0 TwinPower Turbo inline 4-cylinder, 16 valve engine with variable valve control gives it everything to pack a powerful wallop in such a cute body. For those who like to “bottom line” things, it means it has about 255 horsepower and 295 pounds-feet of torque. It can also go from 0 to 60 in 5.5 seconds. In terms of cost at the pump, it gets 29 combined miles per gallon or 3.4 gallons per 100 miles.

Of course, there is always something and for us, it was figuring out how to move the front seats forward to get in the back. Finally we saw there was a mechanical release on the back of the seats. But, let’s face it. If that was our biggest problem, we really don’t have much to complain about! We should mention that the car is not offered in a manual transmission, which was fine with us, but a few our of friends bemoaned the loss.

We loved the interior, not only for the design but for the quality of materials. The perforated SensaTec upholstery was beautiful and we loved the high gloss trim and ambient lighting. The seat was low and at first felt that we were in the kiddie seat looking up, but that quickly faded as we adjusted to the form and learned to enjoy it — and had no problem getting in or out. The back seats were a bit tight with 32.2 inches of legroom and 51.7 inches of shoulder room, but we found plenty of cargo space in the back (13.8 cubic feet). The difference between the front and back is noticeable with the front leg room being almost 10 inches more and four inches of shoulder room.

The technology was first rate with everything from real-time traffic information and anti-theft AM/FM stereo with Radio Data System as well as a HiFi Sound system with 205-watt digital amplifiers and 10 speakers. Of course, when it comes to engine performance and handling BMW is first in line with Servotronic power-steering assist, front and rear driver assistance technology, 4-wheel ventilated disc brakes with Anti-lock Braking System, Dynamic Brake Control and Cornering Brake Control.
Of course, it was fun to drive with a firm suspension and we found it maneuvered potholes and curves with ease. There simply is a special feeling when you get behind the BMW, you feel the engineering expertise and you know that it is made so that you enjoy the ride and feel the roar of the engine.

The 230i also brought out the car enthusiasts in the neighborhood who kept admiring how the car was reminiscent of earlier BMWs (back in the good old days!). It seems the love of a BMW runs deep and never stops. bmwusa.com

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Meet the Subaru Forester Wilderness: a Rugged, Cool Family SUV

travelgirlinc — Fri, 03 Jun 2022 18:38:01 +0000

Over the years parents have fought the notion that they are not cool just because they drive a station wagon or an SUV. Well, Subaru’s Forester Wilderness will once and for all dispel those notions. This is a family car that can not only handle kids, dogs and groceries but the great outdoors. If that doesn’t spell cool, then we don’t know what does!
   The Wildness, which made its debut this year, starts at $33,520 and is a perfect family car. It isn’t a gas guzzler (25 miles per gallon combined with 3.8 gallons per 100 miles), is roomy, handles well and has lots of standard features. In 2020 rear-seat reminders became standard. And, parents will love the StarTex water-repellent upholstery for those juicy box spills. It is the brand’s most rugged and trail-capable vehicle but perfect for the burbs.
   In terms of comfort, The Wilderness is roomier than most of its competitors with 40.2 inches of headroom in the front; 37.6 inches in the back. You can stretch your legs out with 43.3 inches in the front; 39.4 inches in the back. Cargo space is also generous with 107.6 cubic feet of passenger volume and 26.9 cubic feet in cargo volume. Lower the rear seat and the combined space equals 69.1 cubic feet.
   Of course the Wilderness has all the bells and whistles that make Subaru the darling of families such as brake override system and safety pedal system, steering responsive LED headlights and 60/40 split fold-down rear setback with reclining function and tilt/telescopic steering wheel with Bluetooth and audio switches.
   But it’s the outdoor features that separates the Wilderness from its competitors and, frankly, the others in the Forester family. The raised suspension with 9.2 inches of ground clearance and standard front skid plates make the intown ride similar to floating on air while in the wilderness it can clear water, rocks and branches with ease.
   The X-MODE with Hill Descent Control gives even the most skittish driver a sense of security while going off road, challenging the terrain or driving in raging snow storms. The system features driver-selectable Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud modes to fully activate the vehicles systems for maximum traction. Another great feature is 180-degree front-view monitor that again provides the needed confidence booster knowing that you have a clear vision of what’s ahead. In addition, the 17-inch matte-black finish alloy wheels and Yokohama GEOLANDAR give it an extra boost of an aggressive coolness while also providing impressive traction.
   Like the other Forresters, the Wilderness is powered by a 2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER^® engine teamed with a Lineartronic^® CVT and Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. The direct-injection engine produces 182 hp and 176 lb-ft of torque.
   The Forrester Wilderness is a welcome combination of Suburu’s well-known penchant for SUV capability, car-like ride and handling while adding extras that make it a perfect for those driving off-road or in bad weather. Few have this dynamic combination, which makes it a perfect vehicle for cool parents who want a safe family car with a little bit of a bad boy on the side.

www.subaru.com

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Infiniti QX55 AWD: Luxury Crossover with Attitude & Style

travelgirlinc — Sun, 27 Mar 2022 14:38:08 +0000

We love luxury — especially luxury that is reasonably priced — and that ’s one reason why the Infiniti QX 55 Sensory AWD may be the perfect car!
   With a starting price at $57,000 the QX 55 Sensory AWD delivers on all fronts — smooth, tight ride, fashionable looks, lots of technology and perks, and a comfortable interior that every time you slip into the seats you can’t help having a smile of contentment that you’ve made it — but don’t need to flaunt it.
   Yes, The QX is a subtle car until you get in and give it a drive. Then it shines! The eye-catching crossover with a hint of a sport coupe is not as boxy as other models and features eye-catching digital piano key taillights and has a double-arch grille that is origami-inspired. It is eye-catching, but admittedly it does require a look or two to truly appreciate it. Form is certainly first and foremost — even to the point of lowering the license plate down to the bumper to not spoiling the look.
   It also boosts such features as Cube design LED headlines with auto leveler, Adoptive Front Lighting System and a moonroof with power open/close/tilt.
   The nod to luxury and performance is felt in the interior as well. The cabin features an unusual asymmetrical design that is a fluid motion, bold statement. We loved the red perforated semi-aniline leather seats and the steely black trim is-making that is not only stunning but cool and edgy.
   Interior perks include tri-zone automatic temperature control system LATCH System for kids, predictive Forward Collision Warning, Direct Adaptive Steering, ProPILOT ASSIST with Head-Up Display (our favorite), Bose Performance Series 16 Speakers Premium Audio System and Remote Engine Start.
   Even with its sleek design, the QX55 offers lots of inside room. The driver gets about 39.9 inches of headroom and about the same in legroom. The backseat is roomy as well with about 38.7 inches of legroom and 36.9 inches of head room with the moonroof. If you don’t have a moonroof, another three inches or so are added.
   In terms of lugging stuff around, it offers 26.9 cubic feet of space if the second row is up; 54.1 inches with the row down.
   This all-wheel drive vehicle offers 268 horsepower and with the MacPherson strut with coil springs over shock absorber, stabilizer bar you can go over bumps and potholes at the speed limit and barely even notice. You get about 22 miles per gallon in the city and 28 miles per gallon combined with highway.
   Nissan always offers value, and with the QX Sensory AWD, you get value, style, great features and a smile knowing you have a car worthy of you.

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BMW M440i has it all

travelgirlinc — Thu, 17 Mar 2022 17:27:31 +0000

There are few absolutes in this world, but the 2022 BMW M440i is one of them. It is absolutely a fantastic car. No ifs, ands or buts.
   It has it all, does it all and makes the experience magnificent. Coming in at $56,700, the M440i feels, looks and drives like a much more expensive car. In fact, we had to look twice at the price before we believed it. This sleek coupe has a new grill that initially looks a bit off but the look grows on you.
   The car just oozes elegance. The leather surfaces are supple, warm and welcoming, but unlike some luxury vehicles, this coupe does not sacrifice function over form. There are door panels with lots of space, including for a cup holder and another under the armrest for purses, wallets and small bags. To make the ride more comfortable, there is multi-zone Climate Control including micro-filter and automatic air recirculation as well as automatic dimming interior rear view mirror and driver’s side exterior mirror. While the back seats were decent size for adults, extra space is provided with a 40/20/40 split fold-down through-load rear seats.
   The fun was driving this car. With a 3.0-liter TwinPower Turbo inline 6-cylinder, 24-valve 382-horsepower engine that goes from 0 to 60 in 3.7 seconds. Even those who have a light foot on the gas pedal will take it up a notch and test the engine. The engine wins! The ride is smooth, precise and floats on the road like a flying carpet. Bumps, pot holes and windy roads are nothing to this vehicle. It wins every time.
   This car has it all with lots of standard equipment ranging from variable sport steering, Dynamic Stability Control, M Sport Suspension, LED headlights and front and rear Head Protection System. It gets 28 miles per gallon city/highway.

To say we’re a fan is an understatement and we weren’t alone. We had several people admire the car, including a valet at a fancy hotel. He said that, while he parks upscales cars for a living, this BMW is the one he would buy. Quite a compliment and we would agree.
bmwusa.com

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Kia’s Carnival SX Prestige brings prestige and value

travelgirlinc — Fri, 18 Feb 2022 21:27:46 +0000

In a world where it is easy to get jaded, it’s nice once in a while to have a shock to your system — a pleasant shock, that is. And, that’s exactly what happened when we stepped into the driver’s seat of the 2022 Kia Carnival SX Prestige.
Why a surprise? Well, for starters, we don’t like to think of ourselves as SUV drivers. Even in our soccer mom phase, we didn’t drive an SUV. Plus, they look big and bulky and usually the ride is a slow, uneven one that doesn’t handle well on the highway nor maneuvers around pot holes easily.
   Wrong! Carnival SX Prestige is divine! First off, the styling is a knockout. In fact, at first glance it looked more like an SUV than a minivan with a stylized new front and trim body. This vehicle as an edge that borders on being cool.
   The inside was a dream — all three rows. The front seats were large, comfortable and even opulent with bucket seats in the front and back with beautiful leather interior and cool chrome trim with diamond designs worthy of a New York City loft.
The SX Prestige feels and looks upscale. The seats are large and the 12.3-inch screen gives you all the information you need — and more. We were thrilled with the second row that featured powered captain’s chairs with arm rests and two large televisions. For sleepy kids, the relaxation mode puts the seats in full recline mode and the power foot rests raise up to make the nap even more comfortable.
The family drama of long car rides is made easier and more reassuring to parents by two cool features. The passenger view with night vision allows parent to check on passengers in the two and third rows with ease, even in the night, and the two-way intercom systems allows the front row to communicate with passengers in the other two rows clearly and without distraction, amplifying voices through the speaker system.
The Slide-Flex seating for eight passengers can be refigured in multiple ways, including a sliding second row center seat that, when in the forward most position, lets the front passenger easy access to those in the back. It also turns into a table, perfect for eating. The third row seats fold into the floor, allowing for lots of cargo room. In some models (not the SX Prestige) the second row seats fold down as well.
   The 3.5 liter gas direct injection V6 Engine with 8-speed automatic transmission handled the road like a pro. We felt at home the second we started the engine and thoroughly enjoyed every ride. It maneuver easily around curves, had quick highway acceleration and we didn’t worry once backing out of parking spaces.
The SX Prestige gets 22 miles per gallon combined. The MSP was $46,100 and the one we drove was an additional $495, bring it up to $47,770. Honestly, this SUV is loaded with standard equipment found in the most luxurious cars and it’s worth every cent — and more. kia.com

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Hyundai’s Santa Cruz Limited AWD: A Sport Adventure Vehicle

Mary Welch — Thu, 30 Dec 2021 17:15:55 +0000

Is it a truck or a car? Like the mythical centaur, which was half man, half horse, a first glance at Hyundai’s Santa Cruz looks like it’s two separate vehicles joined in the middle. But don’t be fooled, the 2022 Santa Cruz Limited AWD is all truck. But it is decidedly smaller than its rivals, which gives it several advantages. Its one-size-fits-all crew cab and short-bed body are perfect for hauling things, towing things and driving around town while also easily maneuvering parking lots and suburban roads.
It’s a functional pick-up that is able to go from the city to the country with ease — and a sense of style. Yes, it’s a bit shorter than most midsize or full-size trucks but it brings enough towing, hauling and off-roading capabilities for most folks. It fits into a niche that Hyundai may have discovered. It’s a truck for those who want a truck but don’t need a truck. And, the ride, thanks to its car-like construction, is a lot more comfortable.
Hyundai dubs it a true “Sport Adventure Vehicle,” and we can go along with that. It has a sophisticated design, a powerful engine and open-bed flexibility. Let’s be honest. Sometimes we’re carrying gear and equipment that is better suited for an open bed than a typical SUV. We discovered that after a particularly successful shopping spree at the Container Store when our shelves wouldn’t have fit into the back of an SUV, especially with the seats up. No problem with the Santa Cruz.
The Santa Cruz has a standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder powertrain that brings about 191 horsepower, but there is also an upgraded turbocharged engine that produces 281 horsepower thanks to a 2.5-liter four cylinder engine. It was developed with a focus on enhance driving dynamics and responsiveness that works well in urban settings as well as needed agility in off-road terrain.
Luckily for those days when you just want a comfortable ride, the Santa Cruz delivers the best of Hyundai with a 10-inch infotainment screen, lots of in-cabin storage and ambient lighting. The Limited, the most expensive version, featured leather seats, a heated steering wheel, a moonroof and a front-seat experience that was a delightful (and comfortable) blend of a car and the gravitas of a truck. It was the first time we used Remote Engine Start where we cooled down the interior before entering. Perfect for hot or freezing days.
The Limited AWD gets a combined 22 miles per gallon on a 17.7 gallon fuel tank. While the SE trim starts at around $23,9000, the Santa Cruz goes all the way up to $39,720 for the Limited.
It’s interesting. The Sport Adventure Vehicle is a unique concept and similar to the Three Bears, it’s not too big, not too small. It is, in fact, just right.
www.hyundaiusa.com

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Redesigned Nissan Pathfinder offers Family-Focused Versatility

travelgirlinc — Wed, 08 Dec 2021 20:10:24 +0000

There is no better feeling than driving with your car full of food and gifts to see relatives over the holidays and knowing the trip will be safe thanks to an awesome car that is a gift to its drivers and passengers. That’s exactly the scene as we drove a Nissan Pathfinder Platinum 4WD to St. Augustine, Fla., confident that the redesigned SUV would get us there safely, in style with nerves and temper still intact.
   The 2022 Pathfinder, one of Nissan’s most popular vehicles since 1987, boasts an all-new design that — for the first time — provides seating for up to eight passengers. This SUV is obviously family-focused with captain chair options, and new EZ FLEX® one-touch release provides a motion-activated power lift gage that helps tremendously when your hands are full. The cargo area was expanded to 164.6 total interior volume (10.6 cubic feet more than the previous model). When we put the third row seats down, we had plenty of room for suitcases, bags of food and even the large paella pan — if we had remembered it and not left it at home.
The ride was enjoyable for several reasons. First off, the seat was plush, large and had fantastic lumbar support; we didn’t have to stretch and listen to knees crackle when we alighted. There were plenty of nooks and crannies for holding things. Underneath the console is a large bin that we used to bring home soup from Whole Foods and it didn’t spill at all, thanks to the independent strut front suspension with rebound springs and solid stabilizer bar. No matter the road conditions, we always had a smooth and bump- free ride.
   Another benefit was the advanced, connected technology with all-new available 10.8-inch Head-up Display, 12.3-inch digital dashboard and ProPILOT Assist with Vani-link. However, to us, the real joy and — frankly relief— were the host of drive-assistance features including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, intelligent lane intervention and automated emergency braking. The fact that it beeped every time I wanted to pass someone and then let me know that I was cleared to go into the next lane brought a sense of relief and security that made the trip tension free. At one point I slowed down to see why the navigation suggested an alternative route (due to congestion) and the screen asked me if I was tired and perhaps could use a cup of coffee. How great is that?
   Passing was a breeze thanks to the DOHC 24-valve V-6 aluminum block and heads, direct fuel interjection. The new 9-speed automatic engine boasts 284 horsepower and can go from 0 to 60 in 6.6 seconds — perfect for going down I-95. The response is smooth performs better from a standing start, during re-acceleration and in off-road situations than in previous models. The Pathfinder’s fuel economy is pretty impressive for a vehicle of its size (4,638 pounds) and we averaged around 26 miles per gallon on the highway; it averages around 4.5 gallons per 100 mile.
The Pathfinder S WD starts at around $33,410 and the Pathfinder Platinum 4WD takes the cost up to around $48,000. Check it out; it’s worth it. www.nissanusa.com

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Subaru Legacy: A Sedan that has it all

Mary Welch — Tue, 23 Nov 2021 16:35:20 +0000

There are so many Subaru Outbacks and Foresters populating car pool lanes and soccer parking lots that it’s easy to forget that Subaru also offers sedans, and the Subaru Legacy is a mighty competitor in the sedan segment.
   Subaru is known as a safe car; it’s become the de facto family vehicle. The the same reasons why Subaru’s SUVs are popular with families, are the same reasons why the Legacy should be popular for those wanting a stylish, safe vehicle that is reliable — and fun to drive.
Depending on the trim selected, the Legacy’s price can range from $22,895 and goes all the way to $36,145 for the Legacy Touring XT, which is similar to the $34,445 turbo-charged Legacy Limited XT but with a 180-degree front view monitor and a Sierra Tan Nappa leather upholstery. It’s the only vehicle in its segment to feature all-wheel drive as standard equipment. We drove the Limited XT and it was a delight; it truly represented the best of Subaru in terms of safety features, technology and style.
   The car is a looker, sleek with LED fog lights and welcoming lighting. It just gives a warm feeling when soft lights illuminate the door handles, the navigation systems and other little nooks and crannies — you really feel as if the car is saying “Hello, friend. Let’s go have fun.”
   And, fun will be had. We were cruising down the interstate when our car fanatic 28-year-old turned and said “This car is smooth.” It is thanks to its 2.4L direct injection 260 horsepower turbocharged DOHC with 16-valve boxer engine, and four-wheel independent suspension. The highway is your friend and zipping around street corners makes the trip to the grocery store even more fun.
   Aiding in the ride’s enjoyment is more legroom and seats that were well sculptured. We thoroughly enjoyed the manual thigh extension in the driver’s seat, a plus for taller drivers as well as those who need to stretch their bad knees out during a drive. Our car had a lot of luxury extras including leather seats and steering wheel and dual zone automatic climate control. One of the new fantastic features is a tablet-style 11.6-inch high-resolution touchscreen, the brand’s largest and most advanced system yet. The integrated center information display brings on-screen controls for audio, HVAC and vehicle settings as well as smartphone integration. Like a smartphone, the app icons can be moved around so that what you want the most is right at your fingertips.
   But as we noted, the drive is what it’s all about and the Legacy’s structure is stiffer and the strengthened suspension and lower center of gravity makes the sedan’s steering more responsive and provides for a smoother and quieter ride. Crash protection received a big boot as the new body absorbed more than 40 percent more energy in a crash.
   Many have written off the sedans as a dwindling market but dynamic sedans like Subaru’s Legacy will keep the sedan segment energized and popular. With 27 MPG and a price coming in at around $35,000 for the Limited XT, which has all the bells and whistles, the Legacy is not only a contender, but a winner.
www.subaru.com

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Kia Carnival: A Star is Introduced

travelgirlinc — Wed, 10 Nov 2021 13:48:34 +0000

Kia’s Sedona wasn’t exactly an exciting vehicle, and definitely needed a make-over. And, boy did it get one! The differences are so dramatic that it required a new name — meet the Kia Carnival — and it is full of excitement, energy, technology upgrades and style.
   Yes, the Carnival SX brings a lot to the table with an 8-speed automatic transmission, 290 horsepower and a 3.5-liter V-6 engine, more standard safety features, plenty of upgrades — everything is just better. Really better! This rather bland duck turned into a powerful, beautiful, competitive, stylish swan!
   This beauty can no longer be pegged as a bland minivan. This multi-purpose vehicle (MPF) can go anywhere and be anything! A few of its charms include hands-free Smart Power Liftgate with auto-close, Passenger Talk cabin intercom system (so you can talk to passengers with ease) and dual rear screen entertainment monitors. Another example of its flexibility is that the Carnival’s seating (dubbed “Slide Flex”) allows for multiple configurations, including a sliding second row center, making it easier for those with young children. No kids? Well, the seat can turn into a table for those who need to work from a laptop in the back seat (or do homework).
   A three-row seven- or eight-passenger MPV brings it in terms of refinement, state-of-the art technology and flexibility. It also goes to the head of the class for passenger room space (168,2 cubic feet) and cargo room (145.1 cubic feet behind the first row).
   This beauty can’t be defined or judged against its competitors. It’s in a class by itself.
The Carnival comes in four trim levels, ranging from the LX ($32,100) to the SX-Prestige ($46,100). We drove the SX, which featured surround view monitor, navigation system with 12.3-inch display (with hi res graphics)and Auto Emergency Braking with Junction Turning and Cyclist Detection.
   The ride again is a win. It offers a quiet ride that glided over the highway the way a model does the runway. It knew it was in charge and marvelous. In terms of mileage, it comes around 22 MPG, combined or 19 in the city’ 26 on the highway.
   For those looking for a new vehicle that does it all — and better than most — the Carnival is a must. Props to Kia for doing a total redesign that scores on all points.
www.kia.com

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Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy: Luxury SUV checks all the boxes

travelgirlinc — Thu, 14 Oct 2021 17:24:37 +0000

If you’re looking for a car that dazzles and checks off all the boxes… well meet the Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy AWD. It is a game changer and it is hard to contain the excitement of driving this SUV whose value has been under the radar for far too long.
   First off, it’s a beautiful car with a premium redesigned finish grille that is bolder, wider and makes you sit up and notice. The geometric pattern is so distinctive it could be used for a beautiful necklace or clothing design.
   Everything about this SUV screams luxury except the price. The premium Nappa leather welcomes you into a soft hug and the quilted accent trim pattern around the shoulders and head area adds another dash of class and refinement. We loved the ambient lighting, especially a red-lit space above the glove compartment that was perfect for putting in papers, a phone or other items the front seat passenger needs at hand. Everything you need, frankly — and want, — is in this fantastic SUV. Leather-wrapped steering wheel, panoramic sunroof, LED interior lights, heated and ventilated front seats and power driver seat cushion extension. Check, check, check and check.
   There is lots of room with 39.5-inches for headroom in the front; 37.8 inches in the second row. In terms of leg room, even basketball players will enjoy the 441. inches in the front and 41.7 inches in the back. Of course, there’s plenty of space for stuff with 172.1 cubic feet of cargo volume behind the front seats and 36.4 inches when the second row is up.
   On the tech side, it shines as well with auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink, blind-spot view monitor, 12.3-inch fully digital gauge cluster, ultrasonic rear occupancy alert and seat exist assist.
   But none of that matters if it’s not an easy, safe and fun vehicle to drive. Again. Check! This 2.5-liter turbocharged GDI/MPI 4-cylinder performed like a dream. It brings a power 281 horsepower that makes the engine hum and show its speed, agility and maneuverability with ease. The fuel economy is reasonable with an average of 24 miles per gallon.
   It’s not often that a vehicle really gets your attention the way the Santa Fe Calligraphy did ours. And, for a suggested price of $42,100 (with loads of features) this is not only a bargain but a luxury SUV wrapped up in a fantastic price tag.

www.hyundaiusa.com

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