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2010 Jaguar XF Car Review Video

Wednesday, December 8th, 2010
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The intriguing 2010 Jaguar XF, with its sleek, distinguished lines, robust engine, and highly customizable options, sets it apart from other luxury competitors.

Our host Jessi Lang road-tested the XF-Premium, which comes with a 5-Liter V8 engine with 385 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque. The transmission is a 6-speed automatic with JaguarDrive selector, which uses a rotary knob for gear changes. Gas mileage is what you would expect in such a high-performance vehicle, you’ll be looking at 16 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway.

Handling is firm and confident, acceleration is quick and speedier than you would hope for in any comparable sports sedan, and the suspension is even-tempered. You’ll have no trouble swiftly and firmly navigating the corners, or coming to a quick stop with solidly responsive brakes.

The interior features a rich wood trim and plush leather seating, a very elegant complement to its sensuous exterior stylings and thankfully can be found in all XF trims as standard. In addition, the navigation system and center console options are top-of-the-line and retain a fully cutting-edge aesthetic that Jaguar is known for.

The base XF starts off at $51,000 and our test car, the XF Premium with the Porfolio package, which includes 20″ wheels, power-seating, heated steering wheels, ebony wood trim interior, and a power rear windowshade, came in at $62,900.

Overall, the Jaguar XF is a force to be reckoned with. With such a sporty look and driving dynamic, all while retaining the necessary luxuriousness, the Jaguar XF may just have the edge on comparable vehicles in the sports sedan class, such as the Mercedes E-Class or the BMW 5-Series.

Video Review: 2010 Lincoln MKZ

Tuesday, November 16th, 2010
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Join RoadflyTV fan-favorite Jessi Lang as she details the key changes and offerings from the ’10 Lincoln MKZ, the often overlooked upscale version of the Ford Fusion.  Needless to say, she was pleasantly surprised with the recent MKZ changes that yielded a more elegant vehicle with smoother handling.

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The 2010 MKZ brings a lot more to the table, from the modernized interior to the revised exterior.  Even the suspension has been tweaked to provide better ride comfort and handling.  For the interior, a new gauge cluster replaces the old boxy style and the all-encompassing multimedia system allows for a bit of personalization.  But with the good comes the bad, and the MKZ is not immune to this saying.  The steering wheel controls and center console accessibility are not driver friendly, so if you are easily distracted, you may want to memorize their locations as the layout may will require you to take your eyes off the road.

The Lincoln MKZ is powered by a 3.5L V6 paired to a six-speed automatic with SelectShift, the manual shift control system.  The V6 produces 263 horsepower and 249 lb-ft of torque, doing 0-60 in 7.1 seconds. Unfortunately, in this day in age, the fuel economy is not a hair above average, with 17 mpg city and 24 mpg highway projected.

Starting at $34,225 and an as-tested price of $43,245, the Lincoln MKZ has features that make it a vehicle worth considering. With the blind spot indicators, cross traffic alert system, and the optional sport package, the MKZ is worth a second look by buyers who want to support an American manufacturer while also getting something a little out of the norm (i.e. not your standard Accord or Avalon), and something a step above the base standards (i.e. not a Ford Fusion) without breaking the bank.

VIDEO: 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX STI

Tuesday, November 16th, 2010
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Let’s be honest, the Impreza WRX STI gives you that little bit of hope that one day you’ll be able to join Travis Pastrana on his team or that you’ll be a stunt driver in a Fast & Furious movie. Join host Jessi Lang as she gives you the rundown on the rally-inspired 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX STI and see if it lives up to the hype.

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For 2011, the Impreza WRX STI has updated styling including offerings as both a 4-door and 5-door vehicle, but keeps the same hood scoop and engine from the 2010 model year. The 2.5 L turbocharged 4-cylinder Boxer® engine produces 305 horsepower and 290 lb-ft of torque. You have three driving modes with this engine: Intelligent, Sport, and if Sport wasn’t peppy enough — Sport Sharp.  The only downside of the ’11 WRX STI  is the monochromatic guage cluster, but it is definitely not a deal breaker. The fuel economy at 17 mpg city and 23 mpg highway isn’t impressive but with a turbocharged engine, you already know what you’re getting in to there.

Our 5-door tester came in at $38,720 with goodies, but the base price starts at $33,995.  The WRX STI comes with some great standard features like the  Brembo® breaking system, remote keyless entry, automatic climate control, Bluetooth®, and an usb port for your iPod®.   However, if you upgrade to the Premium or Limited trim levels, you can get even more creature comforts like navigation, Satellite radio, heated seats, a moonroof, and leather interior.  If the WRX STI is a little too pricey to you, you may want to consider the slightly-less prestigious Impreza WRX that starts at $25,495 .

2011 Suzuki Kizashi SLS Car Review Video

Tuesday, November 2nd, 2010
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Join host Jessi Lang as she reviews the 2011 Suzuki Kizashi SLS. Most of you are probably scratching your head going, “Suzuki, what? What is this Kizashi?” and luckily, Jessi is here to help. The Kizashi straddles the line between the compact and mid-sized segments and comes out swinging in a market that is dominated by the big boys like Honda and Toyota.

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The ’11 Kizashi is powered by a 2.4L inline 4-cylinder engine that produces 185 horsepower and 170 lb-ft of torque. Our tester, paired to the manual transmission, stayed within the fuel economy ranges of 20 city mpg and 29 mpg highway. We could easily check our gas consumption thanks to the digital real-time data display in the gauge cluster. Despite no V6 offering (check out the video for more info), the Kizashi was able to make up for the lack of throaty growl with some of its other features in the trim levels.

The Kizashi is offered in four trim levels: base S, SE, GTS, and SLS (our tester), offering configurations that would fit most drivers needs. On top of the multiple variations, the Kizashi’s refinement and interior quality also helps make up for its shortcomings like tight legroom for the rear passengers.

With the multiple trim level options and features you expect from starter luxury vehicles, the Suzuki Kizashi’s price tag is shockingly low. Our top-tier SLS with leather upholstery, heated front seats, rain sensing wipers, and rear parking sensors started at $24,699 and topped out at $25,304.

2011 Cadillac CTS-V Car Review Video

Tuesday, October 19th, 2010
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If there is one thing host Jessi Lang loves, it’s a vehicle with a great engine under the hood. Luckily for Jessi, we recently tested the 2011 Cadillac CTS-V with its 6.2L supercharged V8 engine and GM’s Magnetic Ride Control…and let’s just say she had a great week.

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The V8 in the CTS-V is paired to an automatic transmission that is surprisingly seamless and smooth in its shifting and buildup. The pairing produces a powerful 556 horsepower and 551 lb-ft of torque, doing 0-60 mph in under 4 seconds. The sporty personality of the V is mapped to sporty stopping power with quality Brembo brakes. The V offering for the CTS comes in RWD only but unlike the regular CTS coupe that offers 18″ wheels, the CTS-V comes with 19″ wheels.

Sadly, there are a few downsides to the CTS-V. The sub-par fuel economy, averaging 12 mpg city and 18 mpg highway, will get you slapped with the gas-guzzler tax on top of a starting price of $62,165 (as-tested price of $69,890). Then there are the blind spots that will take some adjustment time. For most buyers, they will deal with the blind spots and fuel economy to get in this beast. If you fall in to the aforementioned category and like the CTS-V but can’t swing the cost, you might want to consider the less powerful CTS Coupe that may differ under the hood but has the same interior and quiet cabin ride.

Video Review: 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK 350

Friday, October 15th, 2010
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Move over X3, you have a new competitor in the small compact SUV world. Join RoadflyTV as host Jessi Lang and correspondent Steve Hammes review the 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK 350. While Mercedes first focused on going bigger with the ML and GL SUV lines, they decided to take on the longstanding front runner, the BMW X3 and relative newcomer, the Audi Q5 in the SAV/luxury crossover market.

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The GLK boasts flashy styling that pays homage to the G Class, with an over-sized three point star to remind everyone on the road that you’re in a Benz. We tested the 4Matic 4WD GLK 350 option (not the RWD option) and found ourselves pleasantly surprised with its “go anywhere” attitude. A reminder to those off-roading in their GLK: you do not have a transfer case for the low range but you do have almost eight inches of clearance. Powering the GLK 350 is a 3.5L V6 engine paired to a seven-speed automatic transmission that produces 268 horsepower, doing 0-60 in 6.5 seconds. The GLK takes premium so filling up could become a frequent occurrence with estimated fuel economy of 16 mpg city and 21 mpg highway.

At a starting price of $35,475 and an as-tested price of $47,445, the Mercedes GLK 350 may be a bit pricey for what it offers. Buyers will need to weigh the lack of passenger legroom against the generous rear cargo space and the “go anywhere” attitude with the lack of passionate, spirited driving feel that drivers have grown to expect from luxury sport manufacturers.

2010 Hyundai Tucson Car Review Video

Thursday, October 14th, 2010
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Jessi Lang reviews the 2010 Hyundai Tucson, an affordable option in the crossover class, competitor to the likes of the Nissan Rogue, Honda CR-V and Ford Escape.

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For 2010, the Tucson offers a lot of amenities drivers have come to expect but at a price that’s easy to stomach. We tested the ’10 AWD Limited Edition with automatic transmission. The output of the 2.4L 4-cylinder engine is nothing impressive, but it gets the job done, producing 170 horsepower and 163 lb-ft of torque. With the automatic six-speed transmission you also get the Shiftronic system for clutchless manual shifting when you’re feeling a little feisty or just want the shifting control when passing other vehicles on the highway. With the AWD, 2.4L engine, and six-speed automatic, the Tucson gets some of the best fuel economy numbers in its class, averaging 21 mpg city and 28 mpg highway.

Hyundai also offers some new technology in the Tucson for 2010, adding in Hill Start Assist and a Downward Brake Control System for the manual option, and an Eco-range Driver Indicator and Overdrive Lockup Torque System in the LT AWD version. The interior features like the ample cargo space, panoramic sunroof, and convenient, well-placed compartments make the Tucson a great vehicle for the family or adventurers on the move.

The 2010 Tucson Limited Edition AWD model starts at $25,845. Even with the premium package (panoramic sunroof, navigation, upgraded audio system) you still won’t break $30k, topping out at $29,590, making the Tucson a must-see if you’re in the market for a CUV.

Video: 2010 BMW X6 M Road Test & Review

Monday, September 13th, 2010
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The BMW X5 M has been a personal favorite of mine since I had the chance to take a lap around Pocono Raceway with it and needless to say, I was excited to see what correspondent Steve Hammes had to say about the 2010 X6 M. After a short time with the 2010 BMW X6 M, Steve came to the conclusion that it was one of the sexiest vehicle debuts in a long time.

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The addition of the M to the X6 (dictating the BMW Motorsport division) does not disappoint, producing more power than most SUV drivers probably need with 555 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque. The X6 M features a direct-injection, twin-turbo 4.4L V8 engine paired to a quick-shifting six-speed automatic transmission. Off the line, the X6 M can do 0-60 in 4.5 seconds, making you hard to beat for parking spots at the grocery store or at the school pick-up/drop-off line. Other additions to the X6 with the M moniker is the M-tuned XDrive AWD and M-tuned sport suspension.

With all of the pros of the X6 M, you still have to take the bad in the same package. The main downside here is the fuel economy as the premium fuel gets gobbled up, averaging 12 mpg city and 17 mpg highway. The price tag may also deter some buyers, but most enthusiasts who have been in a BMW M vehicle know they’ll love the vehicle enough to warrant the $95k+ as-tested price.

Want a green alternative to the X6 M? Check out the video review of the BMW X6 ActiveHybrid.

Like it? Hate it? Discuss it in our BMW X6 forum.

2010 BMW 750Li Review & Road Test Video

Monday, September 13th, 2010
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Join host Jessi Lang and correspondent Steve Hammes as they review the 2010 BMW 750Li. True to this flagship vehicle, BMW makes sure the ’10 7 Series long wheelbase version keeps the ultimate driving machine heritage.

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The 750Li is powered by a twin-turbo 4.4L V8 engine that produces 400 horsepower, doing 0-60 in the low 5 second range. Gearing is a six-speed with sport mode and manual shifting. With the quick start, responsive breaking, and impressive turning radius, the only thing that will remind you that you’re in a large family sedan is the herky jerky jumping when starting to accelerate and sensitive breaking. It’s like the 750Li wants to get up and go and it’s hard not to jet off, but the tradeoff is the smoothness of the take off.

The big seller here is the luxury, both for the driver AND the passengers. For the driver, there are technological treats like the camera system to peek around corners and the driver assistance package. In the backseats, passengers enjoy an additional 5.5 inches of legroom in the Li model. They can get comfy for the long haul by utilizing the power shades, put up their feet on the footrests, watch their favorite movie on the entertainment system. Everyone benefits from the supple leather interior.

When it’s all said and done, you will probably be spending a bit more than the $86,000 starting price. With all of the luxury packages, our tester came in at $100,320. If price is an concern, you should also be aware that in addition to the vehicle cost, insurance, and premium fuel for the life of the vehicle ownership, you will also be hit with a $1,000 gas guzzler tax since the 750Li only gets an average of 18 mpg (14 mpg city / 22 mpg highway).

Want to see what actual 7 Series owners have to say? Discuss the ’10 750Li in our BMW 7 Series Forum.

2010 Mazda3 Car Review Video

Saturday, June 19th, 2010
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The 2010 Mazda3 may have virtually the same dimensions as its predecessor but the styling has changed quite a bit with exterior lines that are sharper and bolder. The front face, primarily the grille, has also been tweaked for better aerodynamics and reduction of wind noise. For a glimpse at the interior changes, host Jessi Lang, covers the updates in the ’10 Mazda3 car review video.

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Under the hood, the Mazda3 boasts a 2.0 L engine that produces 148 horsepower at 6,500 and 135 lb-ft of torque at 4,500. The 3 gets moderately good gas mileage, averaging 25 mpg city and 33 mpg highway. For 2010, the Mazda 3 is still reasonably priced under $20,000. The 5-speed manual starts at $17,500, but as tested tops out a little higher at $18,965

2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe Video

Saturday, June 19th, 2010
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Host Jessi Lang proves she knows her stuff as she discusses the 2010 3.8 L Grand Touring Genesis Coupe. In addition to the standard info like handling, price, and performance, Jessi covers the suspension, brakes, stabilizer bars, rotors and calipers of the Hyundai Genesis.

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For the 2010 model year, the Genesis coupe still boasts attractive styling while living up to Hyundai’s promise of aggressive pricing that the company made 2 years earlier when the Genesis Coupe landed stateside. The ’10 Hyundai Genesis Coupe is one of the least expensive V6 300 horsepower vehicles in its class. The 3.8 L V6 with CVT produces 310 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 263 lb-ft of torque at 4,700 rpm. Fuel economy is decent for a sports car, averaging 17 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.

Pricing for the basic 4-clyinder, 2.0 Turbo (210 horsepower) model starts at $22,000. Our tester, the 3.8 L Grand Touring V6 model starts at $27,500 for the manual version or just shy of $30,000 for the automatic pairing. As-testing price ended slightly higher than the base price, coming in at $30,925 for the automatic Grand Touring V6.

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