I Drive the Baby Electric…2013 Chevrolet Volt

Posted on February 13, 2013 by drivermom

The prize winning feature of the Volt is it’s bragging rights at triple digit gas-mileage. With full electric charge the car can go roughly 38 miles at which point the gasoline engine kicks in to generate more power for further driving, approximately 300 miles. The real fuel economy however, depends on how often you recharge.  If you can get home to plug in every night, it will go a long time between fill-ups.  But taking the Volt on a road trip where the gas engine kicks in, fuel economy averages only 35 mpg.

Driving the Volt delivers a jolt of acceleration at take off due to it’s low end torque.  Once cruising, it’s a fairly smooth ride with seamless transitions from electric to gas.

The interior is clean, comfortable and spacious.  The center stack is intimidating at first with its confusing array of touch sensitive icons, similar to the Ford MyTouch system.  But once you get a feel for it, it’s easy to use and easy on the eyes.

For baby friendliness, a serious shortfall prevents me from giving this car a high mark.  A power outlet in the rear center console, was easily reached by my two year old daughter while sitting in her carseat.  She was of course very curious about it, as she kept trying to stick her finger in it while I was driving.  Other than this design oversight, the car has plenty of backseat room, ample cargo, and easy to use latches.

Another difficulty I found was the large blind spot in the B-pillar.  Be prepared for a lot of head and shoulder turns when changing lanes and backing out of parking spaces.

While GM sold three times as many Volts in 2012 as it did in 2011, the Volt is still one of Chevy’s lowest selling cars.   And more than half of Volt sales are in car-clogged California, where engineers just made the Volt eligible for the much coveted carpool lane sticker.   Aggressive leasing incentives and a $7,500 plug-in car tax rebate make purchasing a Volt a sensible choice for the short commuter. But at a sticker price of $40,000 for a car that requires premium fuel, the weekend warrior driver might want to do the math.

Some Basics
MSRP: $39,145 (base)
engine: electric/1.4L I-4
hp/torque: 149 hp/273 ft-lb.
drivetrain: FWD
fuel economy: 38 miles (all-electric), 344 miles (gasoline range-extender only)  93 MPGe (all-electric, mpg equivalent), 37 mpg (on gasoline engine/generator)
IIHS Safety Rating: Good. Top Safety Pick.

drivermom summary
Three words to describe this car
compact, techy, gas-saver

What’s the best thing about it?
fuel economy

What’s the biggest drawback?
sticker price, requires premium fuel

Mom-friendliness score: C

Driver-friendliness score: B-

If this car could talk, what would it say?
“I drive the baby electric…but only for 38 miles.”

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A Winter Wonder…2013 Chrysler 300 Glacier

Posted on January 31, 2013 by drivermom

2013 Chrysler 300 Glacier

For athletic winter driving, most people think Subaru, Jeep, Saab.  But Chrysler?  Full-size sedan?  I  was pleasantly surprised at how confidently the 2013 Chrysler 300 Glacier tackled our steep New England driveway under nailbiting snow and icy conditions.

Designed specifically for winter driving, this hulk of a sedan comes with the most advanced all wheel drive system while providing maximum all-weather traction, efficiency and driving performance. Not to mention a plethora of luxury features and styling enhancements.

The basic design of the 300 has always been a sculpture of bold, traditional and ornate. The Glacier edition speaks to its ice-cool demeanor with a unique light blue body-color, Gloss Black mirrors, a Black Chrome sculpted horizontal grille blades and an all-new Gloss Black painted roof.  19-inch eight spoke aluminum wheels finished in Satin Carbon complete the look.  The idea is to create a low-key street presence.  However, parallel parking this full-size statement in Cambridge, MA gave anything but.  Too bad I didn’t step out in a mink coat.

In terms of ‘gear’ this car is loaded.  A more powerful 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine, a new sport-tuned exhaust and cold-air induction system delivers 300 horsepower. The state-of-the-art eight-speed automatic transmission is the same one found in a Rolls Royce and BMW 7 series. Fuel economy comes out at 18 mpg city / 27 mpg highway.  Not bad for a car this size.  If more power is your thing (it certainly is mine) the new Chrysler 300 Glacier offers a 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 engine to deliver 363 horsepower and up to 23 mpg highway.

Now let’s get to the Mom part.   This is a comfortable, sizeable interior.  Large back seat. Hooking up the car seat was simple.  Seat cushions were a bit stiff on the lower Latch anchors, but I’ve encountered worse.   The atmosphere dominating this full-sedan is athletic-luxury.  12-way power driver and passenger sport seats featuring black “Falls” cloth in the seat centers are the kind you can drive in for a long time.  The center stack, instrument panel, steering wheel, gauge cluster and door panel are glossed in Piano Black.  Sporty by day, elegant by night.  And my favorite feature, the impressive Beats by Dr. Dre stereo system.  Not only sounds excellent and rich, but also sounds cool to say it.

And finally, as one would expect on a sedan this size, a huge trunk for toting all the Mom essentials.  Comfortable ride, quiet interior, powerful engine, upscale interior materials, generous features list, excellent safety scores, high-quality sound system.  If you want a big car, need I say more?

Some Basics
MSRP: $36,845 (base)
engine: 3.6L V6
hp/torque: 300 hp/264 ft-lb.
drivetrain: AWD
fuel economy:  18 city/27 hwy (AWD)
IIHS Safety Rating: Good. Top Safety Pick.

drivermom summary
Three words to describe this car
luxury, full-size sedan

What’s the best thing about it?
it’s big and comfy

What’s the biggest drawback?
it’s alot of car to move around

Mom-friendliness score: A

Driver-friendliness score: B+

If this car could talk, what would it say?
“Motor City hulk with ice-blue eyes seeking Mom he can
wrap in safety and luxury.”

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What’s the definition of cool?…2013 Ford Flex

Posted on January 6, 2013 by drivermom

Got kids that have to get places?  The 2013 Ford Flex is a prime way to go.  Just back from the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, it’s clearer than ever that cars have vibes.  And the vibe on the Ford Flex is hip and stylin’.  New for 2013 is a sleek-styled nose, a power boost to the V6 engine, an updated modern interior and the new MyFord Touch system.

Driving a car this big can feel heavy and cumbersome.  Not so on this people mover.  I was surprised at how easily it maneuvered around town and the responsive handling.  It’s not a speed demon, but it moves with some heft.   Gas numbers won’t break any records either.  The model I drove, the 3.5L, V6 Ti-VCT with AWD gets 17 city/23 hwy.  Roughly the same as the 3.5L,V6 Ecoboost but without the 350-hp punch and the added cost.

Car seat installation was easy peasy, as Goofy would say.  Less than a minute to install my daughter’s forward facing Recaro seat.  Lower latches visible and accesible.  Top tether anchor on the lower seat back.  Done.  Cargo space is limited with third row seating at 20 cu. ft., With the third row seat folded down, space goes up to 43.2 cu. ft.  Still not huge for a car this size.  But overall, this interior is a comfy place to be.

What about the new MyFord Touch system? This time around, I wasn’t as afraid to touch it.  I think it helped that I recently joined the rest of the world and got a smartphone. Those same user-touch skills, if you can call them that, were helpful and lended confidence to the MyTouch learning curve.

The Flex also comes equipped with Ford’s newest safety and driver aid features including industry-first inflatable seat belts, a blind spot system with cross-traffic alert and radar-based cruise control with collision warning and brake support.

A fun, big car.  With an optional refrigerator in the center console.  Nice way to drive the family in style.

Some Basics
MSRP: $35,175 (base)
engine: 3.5L V6 Ti-VCT
hp/torque: 287 hp/254 ft-lb.
drivetrain: FWD or AWD
fuel economy:  17 city/23 hwy
IIHS Safety Rating: Good. Top Safety Pick.

drivermom summary
Three words to describe this car
big, comfortable, cool

What’s the best thing about it?
spacious seating

What’s the biggest drawback?
fuel economy

Mom-friendliness score: A

Driver-friendliness score: B+

If this car could talk, what would it say?
“Just back from the orthodontist…no more toothy grin!”

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Best driving hybrid: 2013 Lexus GS 450h

Posted on January 6, 2013 by drivermom

A high performance hybrid?  Is that possible? The all new Lexus GS 450h says it is.  With a V6 engine mated to an electric motor powered by a hybrid battery pack, the GS 450h drives like a powerful luxury sedan with the fuel economy of a hybrid.  Granted it’s not Prius numbers, but for a car that puts out 338 horsepower, this is pretty close to best of both worlds.   With the turn of a knob it offers five driving modes depending on how ECO or Sporty you want to be.  Driving is smooth, competent and offers something I’ve never experienced before on a hybrid….acceleration.

The best feature about this Lexus is the interior.  What once looked like a souped-up Camry, has evolved into an environment that resembles more Jag or Mercedes.  Plush, comfortable leather seats, optional bamboo trim on the steering wheel and center console, and a premium Mark Levinson surround sound stereo system.  Overall, a spaciously serene cabin.  This is highly desirable when traveling five to seven hours with a squirming toddler in the backseat.

My only wishes were that the trunk was bigger, but the battery pack is to blame for that. And the joystick mouse pointer on the infotainment system was difficult to control. Reminded me of a computer with a sloppy mouse.  Not a plus for distracted driving.   But as often the case, the more technology, the more tempting to play with it.

In some ways, this car reminds me of a supermom.  It’s high performing, efficient and up to speed on latest technology, even if it’s a little distracted.  It’s also expensive….but having it all does come at a price.

Some Basics
MSRP: $58,590 (base)
engine: 3.5L V6 hybrid engine
hp/torque: 338 hp/254 ft-lb.
drivetrain: RWD
fuel economy:  29 city/34 hwy
IIHS Safety Rating: Good. Top Safety Pick.

drivermom summary
Three words to describe this car
luxurious, fuel efficient, hi-tech

What’s the best thing about it?
beautiful interior

What’s the biggest drawback?
the price 

Mom-friendliness score: A-

Driver-friendliness score: B+

If this car could talk, what would it say?
“Come for a ride that’s green and serene…”

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What’s your iQ?…Oh, it’s a 2012 Scion

Posted on December 19, 2012 by drivermom

Compact and cute.  You almost want to play with it.  Designed for the urban lifestyle, the 2012 Scion iQ says you don’t have to give up style to drive something little.

The 2012 Scion iQ is the world’s first micro-subcompact car that seats four people. It looks tiny on the outside, but it’s roomy on the inside.  I was surprised at how easily my daughter’s forward facing car seat fit in the back.  Although it did take the front passenger seat out of commission, having to move it so far forward.  My daughter liked the cozy cabin feel.  Sitting a little closer to Mama, I could reach back and tickle her from the front seat.

But here’s the problem.  There’s no cargo room.  No space behind the back seat to put stuff.  And it’s not safe to put bags and gear in the backseat next to her or in the frontseat next to the driver.  Hmm…..the diaper bag stays home?

Driving it is another story.  The CVT transmission mated to a 1.3L inline four engine makes sure that you don’t have too much fun.  It holds back the reins from acclerating….anywhere.  On the other hand, with a happy little toddler in the back, listening to Christmas music, what’s the rush?

For $15,995, this car looks geometrically cool and comes standard with modern features like Bluetooth, Pioneer audio system with HD Radio, and iPod/USB connectivity.  An optional Pioneer Premium Audio system adds an enhanced 5.8 inch LCD touch screen display with iTunes tagging and Pandora internet radio connected through iPhone. Worth it if you can do it.

Small in size, but big in personality, the Scion iQ is best for city driving or for scooting around in style without spending a fortune.

Some Basics
MSRP: $15,995 (base)
engine: 1.3 L, I-4
hp/torque: 94 hp/89 ft-lb.
drivetrain: FWD
fuel economy:  36 city/37 hwy
IIHS Safety Rating:  Good.

drivermom summary
Three words to describe this car
cute, small, fuel efficient

What’s the best thing about it?
affordable and stylish

What’s the biggest drawback?
no cargo room

Mom-friendliness score: C+

Driver-friendliness score: B-

If this car could talk, what would it say?
“Watch out Smart car.”

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Refined and Rugged: the 2013 GMC Terrain Denali

Posted on December 7, 2012 by drivermom

At some point you have to wonder.  Aren’t all these SUV’s pretty much the same car, just dressed in different attire and jewelry? Give or take a few pounds?  There can be a generic feel to the ride-up-high, extra-cargo, I-can-go-anywhere-as long-as-I-can-afford-the-gas type vehicle.  Car companies are pouring huge effort and expense into defining what makes their version unique, the best it can be.  And doing an incredible job. Never before has there been so many choices on such first rate vehicles.  So what makes this week’s model special compared to others on the runway?

Well first, this GMC Terrain wears Denali.  A little Versace treatment on a box.  The basic design is more square corners than curves, but the Denali treatment gives this tomboy a swooping makeover.  Bullet-hole chrome grill, satin-chrome accents, dual chrome-finish exhaust outlets, and unique 19-inch wheels all work to create a tasteful bling.

The interior is where the beauty really shines through.  And the extra money you spent. Terrain Denali’s cabin updates are highlighted by soft-touch Jet Black leather, which lines the seats and door inserts. Contrast stitching and red accent lighting contribute to an inviting interior. Other Denali-exclusive interior details include:

  • Soft-touch instrument panel with French stitching
  • Leather-wrapped steering wheel with smoked mahogany wood accents
  • Embossed Denali logos on front seatbacks
  • Smoked mahogany wood trim accents
  • Denali illuminated front sill plates
  • Eight-way power driver and passenger seat
  • Standard sunroof.

What I liked most was the roominess.  I love cars with loads of cabin room.  It makes installing the car seat and the toddler a much more pleasant experience. The rear seat can be moved forward or back nearly eight inches, for either more backseat room or extra cargo capacity. With one or more kids, this is a breath of fresh air. Latches were visible and easy.  And with an optional rear entertainment system ($1295) we’re ready for that long ride to Grandma’s house.

The IntelliLink infotainment system offers something for everyone.  Features include:

  • PANDORA Internet radio and Stitcher SmartRadio allow users to create personalized radio stations based on favorite artists or genres.
  • Gracenote identifies the music collection on the driver’s USB device, MP3 player or smart phone and presents information such as artist name, genres and album cover art on the IntelliLink screen.
  • Upgraded USB connectivity adds the ability to play music files directly from flash memory devices
  • Enhanced hands-free voice control system

Given its two ton weight, it drives better than expected.  Not the most playful,  but the 3.6L V-6 provides enough power for smooth, solid, competent handling. Bold.  Safe. Spacious. Technologically advanced.  All the ingredients a for a great family car. 

Some Basics
MSRP: $38,850 (3.6L AWD)
engine: 3.6L V6
hp/torque: 301 hp/272 ft-lb. (V6)
drivetrain: AWD or FWD
fuel economy:  16 city/23 hwy (V6)
IIHS Safety Rating:  Good. Top Safety Pick.

drivermom summary
Three words to describe this car
roomy, comfortable, heavy

What’s the best thing about it?
spacious, upscale interior

What’s the biggest drawback?
fuel economy

Mom-friendliness score: A

Driver-friendliness score: B+

If this car could talk, what would it say?

“From jeans to dinner dress…I’m your car.”

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Ready for adventure: 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk

Posted on November 26, 2012 by drivermom

For a family that loves hiking, skiing, or any off-road adventure, the 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk is the vehicle of choice.  The most award winning SUV now comes in a Trailhawk edition, beefed up to handle rocky, snowy, steep….basically you name the terrain and it will eat it for breakfast.

You’ll know the Trailhawk when you see one.  A black hood decal with red accent stripe dominates the front end.  It looks tough, but it’s really designed to reduce glare from the sun in extreme off-road situations.  Other visual standouts include black headlamp buckets, 18-inch aluminum wheels, gray grille surround, a rear light bar and signature badging.  Standard tires are hefty, Kevlar-reinforced Goodyear Silent Armor all-terrain tires for sturdy, puncture-free trail driving.  The Quadra lift air suspension has five height settings for optimum performance. Together with Jeep Select Terrain – the driver can choose from five traction control settings – Sand/Mud, Sport, Auto, Snow and Rock. This Jeep can go anywhere.  And depending on fast you want to go, it’s powered by a V6 or a V8.

How about for everyday driving?  Well, it’s big.  And heavy.  And tall.  Alot of car to move around.  One of the benefits though is the interior.  Plush two tone leather and suede seats, high-end stereo and all the perks of an upscale SUV complement a cabin that is roomy, airy and spacious.  Plenty of room for comfortable travel with one or more kids and all the stuff.  My only trouble was being short. Getting in and out of the driver’s seat took some stretching.  I realized as I jumped to the ground that I looked like the kid getting out of the car.

Our big milestone this week was switching my daughter to a forward facing carseat.  Yeah!  (once we got past the manual)  The Grand Cherokee made it a breeze. It was surprisingly easy to attach the lower anchors in their plastic clip covers on her Recaro seat. The top tether anchor attached nicely to the back latch anchor over the seat.  Snug as a bug.  Plus plenty of cabin room for manuevering. Cargo space is 35.1 cu. ft. with seats up, 68.7 cu.ft. with seats folded down.

It may not be the best everyday Mom car, but for off-roading and all-terrain driving, this Jeep is a winner.  And as any Mom knows, if there’s ever a road requiring ability to handle all conditions, it’s the road of motherhood.

Some Basics
MSRP: $41,995 (base)
engine: 3.6L V-6 or 5.7L V-8
hp/torque: 290 hp/260 ft-lb. (V6)
360hp/390ft-lb. (V8)
drivetrain: AWD
fuel economy:  17 city/23 hwy (V6)
14 city/20 hwy (V8)
IIHS Safety Rating:  Good. Top Safety Pick.

drivermom summary
Three words to describe this car
rugged, spacious, tall

What’s the best thing about it?
great for off-roading, lots of interior room

What’s the biggest drawback?
it’s a big, heavy car for everyday driving 

Mom-friendliness score: B+

Driver-friendliness score: B

If this car could talk, what would it say?

“Beef. It’s what’s for dinner.”

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Fun, affordable hatchback: 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT

Posted on November 18, 2012 by drivermom

Who doesn’t love getting the most for their money?  Hyundai has truly become a brand where the buyer can walk away feeling like ‘Wow, I got a good deal.’  For 2013 the 5-door GT hatchback is a new offering to the Hyundai Elantra lineup, in addition to the coupe and sedan.

Granted, it’s not the fastest or sportiest choice for this segment, but behind the wheel, drivermom found it fully-equipped, comfortable and fun to drive. It’s zippy.  A great car for scooting around.  While the Elantra GT is sportier than the base sedan, for more refined handling and a smoother engine one might want to consider the Ford Focus or Madzda3.  The Elantra GT comes with a four-cylinder engine and standard six-speed manual transmission.  A six-speed automatic is optional.

Consistent with Hyundai’s goal of offering quality with good value, the base model comes loaded with standard options. Think of a well stocked fridge.  At a base price of $19,170, the GT is complete with heated mirrors, heated front seats, remote keyless entry, air conditioning that also cools the glove box, cruise control, driver-selectable steering modes, Hyundai’s Blue Link telematics, satellite radio, fog lights, a USB port and aux input, and 16-inch aluminum wheels.

For a more upscale feel, the performance oriented Style package ($2750) adds 17-inch aluminum wheels, slightly firmer suspension tuning, the double sunroof, leather seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a power driver’s seat, aluminum pedal cladding, and auto up-and-down control for the driver’s window.  The Tech package ($2350) includes a nav system, a rearview camera, dual climate control and proximity key entry and start.  My tester included both packages and gave me the sense that this is quite a bit of car for the money.

The interior cabin is spacious. However, the front seat passengers get more leg room than the rear.  It made things bit cramped with a rear facing car seat, especially installing it.   The biggest struggle was accessing the lower latches.  The seat leather was so stiff it took significant force and maneuvering to hook onto the latch anchors through the seat cushions.  I also had to push the front seat pretty far forward.  Trunk space makes up for some of these infractions at 23 cu.ft. with seats up, 51 cu. ft. with seats down.

Quality, good value and style.  Fun to drive.  What’s not to like?

Some Basics
MSRP: $19,170 (base)

engine: 1.8 L turbo, I-4
hp/torque: 148 hp/131 ft-lb.
drivetrain: FWD
fuel economy:  28 city/39 hwy
IIHS Safety Rating:  Good. Top Safety Pick.

drivermom summary
Three words to describe this car
fun, economical, comfortable

What’s the best thing about it?
great value for the price

What’s the biggest drawback?
lower latches difficult, stiff seat cushions

Mom-friendliness score: B+

Driver-friendliness score: B

If this car could talk, what would it say?

“Zip. Zip.”

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A luxurious family car – the 2013 BMW Gran Coupe

Posted on November 12, 2012 by drivermom

With the increasing number of choices in the luxury car market, why drive home in a 640i Gran Coupe? Well to start, it’s sexy.  Long, low and sleek make the heart go pitter-patter. And like the Audi A7 or Mercedes CLS, the 640i Gran Coupe may not be as likely to stop one in their tracks in the Whole Foods parking lot to peer through the window, the lines and curves on this 4-door coupe-style sedan give off plenty of wow-factor.

As with most luxury cars today, the interior is a place to indulge one’s senses of sight, sound and touch.  Ambient lighting, rich leather throughout and package options to satisfy every technology fantasy.  The driver assistance package for instance brings cool features like Lane Departure Warning, Active Blind Spot Detection, Rear and Top View cameras, Parking Assistant, and the new three-dimensional, full-color Head-Up Display. My personal favorite is the premium sound package with a knock your socks off Bang & Olufson high-end surround sound system. If I owned this car, for this alone, I’d look for reasons to go out.

Driving the 640i is where it’s true personality comes out.  The 3.0 liter I-6 engine may not seem like a big deal, but hit the gas on the highway and the car comes alive.  It’s heavy, but it’s a powerhouse.   The engine is designed to deliver maximum output with optimal fuel efficiency.  So much that the efficient dynamics will power down the engine while idling in traffic.  I discovered the friendly little switch under the ignition button to turn off this feature while commuting on the expressway to Boston (as anyone knows, there is nothing express about the expressway).  For daily driving,  I found the car’s weight cumbersome when running quick errands around town through side streets and in and out of parking spaces.  The image it conjured was akin to wearing boots to ballet class.

Now a confession.  I did not drive this car with my daughter.  For the life of me, I couldn’t install the car seat.  The problem was the lower latch anchors.  They sit behind zippers encased in vertical slits in the rear seat cushions.  It looks so nice and simple.  But oh no.  With sheer brute force, twisting, yanking and swearing, I couldn’t pull the zippers down.  It reminded me of George Castanza trying to unzip his jacket in therapy. (please forgive the reference if you’re not a Seinfeld fan)  I learned that once the zippers are down, the anchors lie about an inch into the seat cushion.  Some muscle will be required here too, because the seat leather is quite stiff.

It’s a shame because the additional 4.4 inches in length compared to its 2-door coupe sibling give the backseat that much needed extra room for baby and/or passengers.  Not to mention the interior is such a comfortable place to be. But unfortunately for this Mom, I didn’t get to fully appreciate the experience that this beautiful grand touring car has to offer.

Some Basics
MSRP: $76,895 (base)

engine: 3.0 L turbo, I-6
hp/torque: 315 hp/330 ft-lb.
drivetrain: RWD
fuel economy:  20 city/30 hwy
IIHS Safety Rating:  Not yet rated.

drivermom summary
Three words to describe this car
elegant, athletic, luxurious

What’s the best thing about it?

gorgeous interior

What’s the biggest drawback?
lower latches very difficult

Mom-friendliness score: B

Driver-friendliness score: A-

If this car could talk, what would it say?

“I’m the strong, silent type,”

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2013 BMW Gran Coupe

Posted on November 11, 2012 by drivermom

With the increasing number of choices in the luxury car market, why drive home in a 640i Gran Coupe? Well to start, it’s sexy.  Long, low and sleek make the heart go pitter-patter. And like the Audi A7 or Mercedes CLS, the 640i Gran Coupe may not be as likely to stop one in their tracks in the Whole Foods parking lot to peer through the window, the lines and curves on this 4-door coupe-style sedan give off plenty of wow-factor.

As with most luxury cars today, the interior is a place to indulge one’s senses of sight, sound and touch.  Ambient lighting, rich leather throughout and package options to satisfy every technology fantasy.  The driver assistance package for instance brings cool features like Lane Departure Warning, Active Blind Spot Detection, Rear and Top View cameras, Parking Assistant, and the new three-dimensional, full-color Head-Up Display. My personal favorite is the premium sound package with a knock your socks off Bang & Olufson high-end surround sound system. If I owned this car, for this alone, I’d look for reasons to go out.

Driving the 640i is where it’s true personality comes out.  The 3.0 liter I-6 engine may not seem like a big deal, but hit the gas on the highway and the car comes alive.  It’s heavy, but it’s a powerhouse.   The engine is designed to deliver maximum output with optimal fuel efficiency.  So much that the efficient dynamics will power down the engine while idling in traffic.  I discovered the friendly little switch under the ignition button to turn off this feature while commuting on the expressway to Boston (as anyone knows, there is nothing express about the expressway).  For daily driving,  I found the car’s weight cumbersome when running quick errands around town through side streets and in and out of parking spaces.  The image it conjured was akin to wearing boots to ballet class.

Now a confession.  I did not drive this car with my daughter.  For the life of me, I couldn’t install the car seat.  The problem was the lower latch anchors.  They sit behind zippers encased in vertical slits in the rear seat cushions.  It looks so nice and simple.

But oh no.  With sheer brute force, twisting, yanking and swearing, I couldn’t pull the zippers down.  It reminded me of George Castanza trying to unzip his jacket in therapy. (please forgive the reference if you’re not a Seinfeld fan)  I learned that once the zippers are down, the anchors lie about an inch into the seat cushion.  Some muscle will be required here too, because the seat leather is quite stiff.

It’s a shame because the additional 4.4 inches in length compared to its 2-door coupe sibling give the backseat that much needed extra room for baby and/or passengers.  Not to mention the interior is such a comfortable place to be. But unfortunately for this Mom, I didn’t get to fully appreciate the experience that this beautiful grand touring car has to offer.

MSRP: $76,895 (base)
engine: 3.0 L turbo, I-6
hp/torque: 315 hp/330 ft-lb.
drivetrain: RWD
fuel economy:  20 city/30 hwy
IIHS Safety Rating:  Not yet rated.

drivermom summary
Three words to describe this car
elegant, athletic, luxurious

What’s the best thing about it?
gorgeous interior

What’s the biggest drawback?
lower latches very difficult

Mom-friendliness score: B

Driver-friendliness score: A-

If this car could talk, what would it say?
“I’m the strong, silent type,”

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