2013 Infiniti EX37 Journey AWD

Posted on November 4, 2012 by drivermom

If a sporty crossover utility vehicle and a stylish coupe got married, what would their kid look like?……The Infinity EX37.  Built on the same platform as the G37, the EX37 shares the same high levels of handling precision and balance making this compact coupe crossover an exceptional combination of performance, elegance, utility and technology.  Granted this baby might not break records in size or space percentiles, but for everyday driving it’s a perfect vehicle for the owner who wants functionality without compromising style and sophistication.

The exterior design exudes has a masculine look with its low aggressive stance, muscular curves, and long wheelbase.  It stands out as a member of the Infiniti family by the stylish L-shaped headlamps, double arch grille and wave form bonnet.  The EX37 is available in four models.  My tester was the top of line Journey AWD model, also available in RWD, or the base EX37 in RWD or AWD.

The rich, warm interior has a cockpit like feel, with a driver-centric position.  This makes the cabin space feel smaller in contrast to the more open, airy interiors of larger sedans and CUV’s.  But the quality interior enhancements, wave-like layout and hospitality lighting more than compensate for any drawback.  The upscale Journey edition adds features like luxurious leather seats, leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, maple interior accents, and tinted glass moonroof.  A Premium package adds a 7-inch color touch screen display, Around view monitor, and a Bose Premium 11 speaker sound system custom designed for the Infiniti EX37 cabin to enhance the acoustics and reproduce music with clarity and spaciousness.  Other cool perks include NavTraffic, NavWeather, and Zagat Restaurant Guide to name a few.

The EX37 is powered by a 3.7 liter V6 engine (a new version of Nissan’s award winning VQ engine) and puts out 325 hp and 267-ft-lb. of torque with at 7 speed automatic transmission.  All to create driving dynamics that are athletic, powerful, responsive and solid.  The EX37 is by far one of the best CUV I’ve ever driven, with its low center of gravity, nimble steering and Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system which apportions power to the wheels requiring the most grip as it encounters changes in road conditions.  It was so competent and so much fun to drive, I forgot I was in crossover vehicle.

For baby carrying, all the elements are there for effortless travel.  Again, not the leader in cabin or cargo space, but enough room to  work for daily running around or short trips.  I think my daughter like the cozy cabin feel.  She seemed content back there, or she’s already learned to appreciates a fine interior!

Elegant coupe looks, excellent driving dynamics and sporty practicality make the EX37 a perfect choice for a young family, yet it also aims to please the most discerning sports enthusiast who need not sacrifice style on his cycling or skiing adventure.

Some Basics
MSRP:  $40,050 – $49,200
engine: 3.7 L, V-6
hp/torque: 325 hp/267 ft-lb.
drivetrain:  AWD, RWD
fuel economy:  17 city/24 hwy
IIHS Safety Rating: Good. Top Safety Pick.

drivermom summary
Three words to describe this car
athletic, stylish, practical

What’s the best thing about it?
great handling, fun to drive

What’s the biggest drawback?
cabin space is small

Mom-friendliness score: B+

Driver-friendliness score: A-

If this car could talk, what would it say?
“Yes you can have it all.”

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2013 Boxster S

Posted on October 23, 2012 by drivermom

For the love of driving.  Whether on twisty seaside bends and curves or a backroad foliage stroll, the 2013 Boxster S is one of those cars you don’t have to drive fast to appreciate.  But if driving fast is your passion, the lighter and more fuel efficient 2013 Boxster S stands eager to please.  With a revamped chassis for 2013, less weight, a longer wheelbase and larger wheels, the driving dynamics on this sexy little roadster continue to top the list on what constitutes pure fun.

But you have to pay to go on this ride.  Starting at $60,900 it’s easy to pile on options like toppings on a sundae.  My super deluxe tester came to $90,000 including every goodie on the menu.  And one thing that is required to appreciate this car is an education.   (Thank goodness for my in-house car encyclopedia husband.)  Our first acronym is PDK, that exclusive to Porsche transmission which stands for Porsche Doppelkupplung.  This redesigned PDK transmission (an extra $3,200) offers seven gears, significantly quicker gear changes without interruption to the power flow making for faster sprints and lower fuel consumption.  Next is PTV, Porsche Torque Vectoring, which improves the steering behaviour and steering precision of the vehicle by selectively braking the inside rear wheel.  Another premium goodie is the Sport Chronos package ($2,370, no acronym) increases the performance bandwith to maximize driving dynamics from the race track to everyday driving.  The Sport Chronos package also  features dynamic transmission mounts which change their rigidity and damping characteristics according to the current driving situation.  And if you’re going this far, you might as well add the 20-inch classic Carrera wheels at $2,730.  Once you drive with them, you won’t want to drive without them.

On the interior, nothing was spared to enhance comfort and functionality.  Luscious Premium Adaptive Sport Seats (an extra $5,265), natural leather interior ($3,535), premium Bose infotainment ($3,860), and all the little things that add up to a wonderful experience like a sport design steering wheel, seat ventilation, six disc CD/DVD changer, and so on.  I loved being in this vehicle.  How many cars can you appreciate just sitting still?

Which reminds me, Mom spent all of her time alone in this one.  And didn’t do much shopping.  With the flat six mid-engine behind the seats, the mini trunk space gets quite warm, so I wasn’t bringing home any frozen vegetables.  Trips to IKEA are out of the question.  But for a Mom getaway day, or datenight, it couldn’t be better.  Probably most accurate, my two year old daughter summed it up best.  Every time she saw it in the driveway, she pointed and shouted, “Da-da’s car!”

Some Basics
MSRP:  $60,900 – $90,175
engine: 3.4 L, flat-6
hp/torque: 315 hp/266 ft-lb.
drivetrain:  RWD
fuel economy:  21 city/30 hwy
IIHS Safety Rating: not rated.

drivermom summary
Three words to describe this car
sporty, fun, expensive

What’s the best thing about it?
one of the best driving cars

What’s the biggest drawback?
no baby room, very little cargo space

Mom-friendliness score: C

Driver-friendliness score: A

If this car could talk, what would it say?
“You can’t bring the baby….but after a romantic evening, you might end up with another one…..”

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2013 Porsche Boxster S

Posted on October 23, 2012 by drivermom

For the love of driving.  Whether on twisty seaside bends and curves or a backroad foliage stroll, the 2013 Boxster S is one of those cars you don’t have to drive fast to appreciate.  But if driving fast is your passion, the lighter and more fuel efficient 2013 Boxster S stands eager to please.  With a revamped chassis for 2013, less weight, a longer wheelbase and larger wheels, the driving dynamics on this sexy little roadster continue to top the list on what constitutes pure fun.

But you have to pay to go on this ride.  Starting at $60,900 it’s easy to pile on options like toppings on a sundae.  My super deluxe tester came to $90,000 including every goodie on the menu.  And one thing that is required to appreciate this car is an education.   (Thank goodness for my in-house car encyclopedia husband.)  Our first acronym is PDK, that exclusive to Porsche transmission which stands for Porsche Doppelkupplung.  This redesigned PDK transmission (an extra $3,200) offers seven gears, significantly quicker gear changes without interruption to the power flow making for faster sprints and lower fuel consumption.  Next is PTV, Porsche Torque Vectoring, which improves the steering behaviour and steering precision of the vehicle by selectively braking the inside rear wheel.  Another premium goodie is the Sport Chronos package ($2,370, no acronym) increases the performance bandwith to maximize driving dynamics from the race track to everyday driving.  The Sport Chronos package also  features dynamic transmission mounts which change their rigidity and damping characteristics according to the current driving situation.  And if you’re going this far, you might as well add the 20-inch classic Carrera wheels at $2,730.  Once you drive with them, you won’t want to drive without them.

On the interior, nothing was spared to enhance comfort and functionality.  Luscious Premium Adaptive Sport Seats (an extra $5,265), natural leather interior ($3,535), premium Bose infotainment ($3,860), and all the little things that add up to a wonderful experience like a sport design steering wheel, seat ventilation, six disc CD/DVD changer, and so on.  I loved being in this vehicle.  How many cars can you appreciate just sitting still?

Which reminds me, Mom spent all of her time alone in this one.  And didn’t do much shopping.  With the flat six mid-engine behind the seats, the mini trunk space gets quite warm, so I wasn’t bringing home any frozen vegetables.  Trips to IKEA are out of the question.  But for a Mom getaway day, or datenight, it couldn’t be better.  Probably most accurate, my two year old daughter summed it up best.  Every time she saw it in the driveway, she pointed and shouted, “Da-da’s car!”

Some Basics
MSRP:  $60,900 – $90,175
engine: 3.4 L, flat-6
hp/torque: 315 hp/266 ft-lb.
drivetrain:  RWD
fuel economy:  21 city/30 hwy
IIHS Safety Rating: not rated.

drivermom summary
Three words to describe this car
sporty, fun, expensive

What’s the best thing about it?
one of the best driving cars

What’s the biggest drawback?
no baby room, very little cargo space

Mom-friendliness score: C

Driver-friendliness score: A

If this car could talk, what would it say?
“You can’t bring the baby….but after a romantic evening, you might end up with another one…..”

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2013 Volvo S80 T6 AWD

Posted on October 7, 2012 by drivermom

In high school, I was never a sprinter.  Those 800 meter relays left me panting doubled over in the grass.  But laced up in my favorite Asics on a long, scenic back road, I was content as a puppy unleashed on a wooded trail.  This memory flashed before me during the week as I drove Volvo’s S80 flagship sedan.  This car is a long distance runner, not a sprinter.  Stepping on the gas to accelerate, the 300-hp 6 cylinder turbocharged engine has some weight to haul.  But once it’s going, you can settle in for a long distance run in some of the most comfortable seats ever. The S80 cruises beautifully offering comfort and luxury.  It’s not the most playful or sporty in driving.  Much less than it’s S60 sibling.  But this could be attributed to heavy steering and the All-Wheel Drive system with Instant Traction designed more for wet, slippery roads rather than enhancing performance.

From the outside the S80’s carries a strong presence that stands the test of time.  The design still says ‘I’m conservative’ especially when lined up next to its sexier German competitors with more aerodynamic designs.  But hey, you have to pay more for sexy.

On the interior, the S80 is on par with some of the finest crafted vehicles.  The model I drove was Platinum trim with the inscription package.  Enhancements include an elegant stitched leather covered dashboard, walnut trim on the steering wheel and gearbox, Sovereign hide leather seating (does that just sound soft?) and ventilated front seats.  Aesthetically the contrast of dark and light materials, silk-metal inlays and Volvo’s signature waterfall center stack make this luxury cabin a very pleasant place to be.   The Sensus infotainment system is relatively easy….neither touchscreen nor iDrive-like thingy….it’s a seven-inch high definition color monitor adjusted by plain ol’ buttons and knobs.  Not too hard to figure out.    One of the best features is Volvo’s Premium Sound System with Dolby Pro-Logic II Surround Sound, 12 premium speakers and a remarkable 650 watts.  Listening to Drew Zingg’s outstanding debut CD, I was blown away by the richness of sound quality picking up bass notes and chords I’d never get on an iPod.  Goose bumps hearing Monet Owens’s “You Make it Right (When it Rains)”….and I checked, it the cooling seats weren’t on.  There is also ability to adjust cool things like the sound stage to maximize the listening experience depending on where you’re sitting in the vehicle.

In the family department, this is a perfect car for a Mom with one or more kids.  Ample back seat room.  Car seat installation with Latches was easy and secure.  For out-of-car seat passengers, the rear seats also have warmers.  And the trunk is prepared to haul all the gear and groceries required for a long distance outing.

A top of the line luxury family sedan.  Not the best for performance edge, but a comfortable, safe sedan that’s ready to go the distance.

Some Basics
MSRP:  $42,960 – $51,445
engine: 3.0 L turbocharged, I-6
hp/torque: 300 hp/325 ft-lb.
drivetrain:  AWD
fuel economy:  18 city/25 hwy
IIHS Safety Rating: Good. Top Safety Pick.

drivermom summary
Three words to describe this car
premium luxury sedan

What’s the best thing about it?
upscale interior

What’s the biggest drawback?
driving dynamics not as fun

Mom-friendliness score: A-

Driver-friendliness score: B+

If this car could talk, what would it say?
“I won’t tempt you to get in too much trouble…”

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2012 Nissan Versa Sedan

Posted on October 5, 2012 by drivermom

The 2012 Nissan Versa Sedan reminds me of my first car.  Nothing fancy about it. Unsophisticated driving.  Plastic interior.  Nothing to show off…..other than it had four wheels and got me out of the house.  Driving the Versa brought me back to the simple pleasure of a reliable source of freedom.  If my daughter were turning seventeen, she might be getting one of these.  Kelly Blue Book named it one of the best ‘Back to School’ cars for this reason.  It’s the least expensive car on the market offering the seating and cargo room of a sedan, with the gas mileage of a subcompact. Perfect for loading up campus gear and and friends without hitting Mom and Dad up too much for gas money.

The exterior body design encompassing this 90 cu. ft of cargo and 14.9 cu. ft trunk, is not fashion forward…..but here again, that’s not what this car is about.  In all fairness though, it’s better looking than some of those square icebox-y things out there.

Driving the Versa is a true front wheel drive experience.  A pulling motion from the front of the car gave me the sensation of being led around by my daughter at Toys R Us.  The CVT transmission was surprisingly seamless though, a refreshing boost in fuel economy without compromise.

This is a car not trying to be more than it is.  But if you want more than it is, there are models and packages.  It comes in three versions, S, SV and SL.  The most basic S has an optional Cruise Control Package option which also comes with two rear speakers and a trunk light.  My tester, the SV steps it up by adding, chrome grill accents, power windows, Fine Vision instrumentation, and upgraded cloth seats.  The SL brings in 15-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, 60/40 split fold down rear seats, Bluetooth, steering wheel audio controls, USB/iPod connectivity and an upgraded audio system.  The Technology package (available on the SL only) is what you need to bring a 5-inch color touch screen with navigation and satellite radio into the picture.

As far as putting a baby in a rear facing car seat, I’m all hails and smiles.  Huge backseat, leg room…for long legs, and kudos again on the trunk.  I did have trouble getting a secure fit on her Graco snugride 35, but according to Nissan’s new Snug Fit Safety Guide, the Versa accommodates roughly 180 different car seats from rear facing to booster.   We had a good time going about our week from Stop n’ Shop to music class, spilling cheese puffs all over the back seat.  It reminded me again how the greatest joys lie in these moments of time spent together, so much more than fancy steering wheel controls and touch screen navigation (although that stuff is nice too). Depending on how you look at it, the Versa’s simplicity could be considered the worst thing about it……or the best thing about it.

Some Basics
MSRP:  $10,990 – $15,560
engine: 1.6 L, I-4
hp/torque: 109 hp/107 ft-lb.
drivetrain: FWD
fuel economy:  30 city/38 hwy
IIHS Safety Rating: Good. Top Safety Pick

drivermom summary
Three words to describe this car
affordable, basic, fuel-efficient

What’s the best thing about it?
spacious interior

What’s the biggest drawback?
not the best handling

Mom-friendliness score: A-

Driver-friendliness score: B

If this car could talk, what would it say?
“Everyone remembers their first car.”

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2012 Kia Optima Hybrid

Posted on September 28, 2012 by drivermom

The Kia Optima Hybrid is one of those cars that makes people stop, turn their head and say, “What kind of car is that?”  Sleek, elegant European styling grabs the eye making this car look much more expensive than it is.  Both graceful and muscular, the vehicle’s coupe-like exterior design is accentuated by a sweeping chrome arc that flows from the A through the C pillars which visually lowers the car and enhances its proportions.  The Optima Hybrid smiles at you with its distinctive front grille and headlamps.  Exterior features include 16-inch lloy wheels, fog lamps, heated outside mirrors, and very cool LED tail lights…tasteful bling.

Today’s high end car comes full of gadgets and ways to make driving more pleasurable. Kia gets this.  But without socking the consumer.  Standard features on the Optima include automatic dual zone climate control, an eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat, leather wrapped steering wheel and gearshift knob, push button start with smart key and rear seat reading lamps.  For $5,350 the Technology Package adds navigation with Sirius traffic info, back up-camera display, an Infinity eight-speaker sound system with subwoofer, heated and cooled front seats; heated rear seats and a heated steering wheel.  All this in your shopping cart totals $31,050 for a beautiful, loaded luxury sedan that earns bragging rights with it’s Prius neighbors down the street at 35/40 mpg.

The drawback?  The fuel-efficient hybrid powertrain mated to an efficient six-speed automatic transmission drives a little fussy. Step on the gas and it emits a revving sound like its trying to find its gear.  Most notably in eco mode.  In gas engine mode, it’s better but still the transition from electric to gas feels awkward.  The full parallel hybrid system can be driven in zero emission, full-electric drive mode at speeds up to 62 miles per hour or in blended gas-electric mode at any speed. When the car comes to a stop and the electrical load is low, the engine shuts off to completely eliminate idle fuel consumption and emissions.  One unique feature is the Virtual Engine Sound System (VESS) that plays a pre-recorded engine sound during electric-only operation up to 12 miles per hour to help notify people outside the vehicle that it is approaching.  No sneaking up unannounced with this one.

With my daughter in her carseat, seated beside my Mom, and my Dad in the front, the four of us went out to dinner and no one got on anyone’s nerves!  The comfortable cabin space allows plenty of leg, elbow and  breathing room.  Cargo area (9.9 cu. ft.) is compromised by the hybrid battery behind the back seat, compared to the non-Hybrid Optima’s 15.4 cu. ft.

Were I to buy this car, I’d go for the non-hybrid version…simply because driving is just too important.  But if fuel economy, loads of options and sexy, sophisticated styling are what blows your hair back…..then the Kia Optima Hybrid is the one to opt.

Some Basics
MSRP:  $25,700 – $31,750
engine: 2.4 L Hybrid Engine
hp/torque: 206 hp/195 ft-lb.
drivetrain: FWD
fuel economy:  35 city/40 hwy
IIHS Safety Rating:  Good. Top Safety Pick

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

What’s the best thing about it?
great looks, lots of bells and whistles

What’s the biggest drawback?
powertrain compromises driving

Mom-friendliness score: A-

Driver-friendliness score: B-

If this car could talk, what would it say?
“You don’t need lots of money…to have class.”

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2013 Volvo S60 T5

Posted on September 18, 2012 by drivermom

Solid, safe, sporty and smooth.  Volvo’s new 2013 S60 with a revised engine delivers the assured driving that we know as Volvo and adds a boost of sporty, power-driven energy. Now available for 2013, is an all wheel drive option making this car a prime choice for New England moms as well as anyone seeking outdoor adventure and all-season driving.  Rain sensor windshield wipers and headlight washers now standard on all models make the S60 ready for any weather.

The overall S60 design is pleasing to the eye.  Swedish artistic lines, a low roof line and just the right amount of curves create a sporty, sophisticated look.   And the interior is one of those cabin spaces that makes me relax and say, “Ah” the moment I’m seated behind the wheel.  Clean, simple aesthetics, an elegant waterfall center stack and comfortable seats exude a positive feng shui.  All to create an inviting, serene environment.

Volvos and moms have always gone hand in hand.  The new S60 is no exception, it’s just that now Mom has no reason to feel too sexy for her Volvo.  This sedan is on par with some of the best lookers, sharing the road with its A4, G37 and 3 series competitors.  The driving may not be as robust, however the I-5, 2.0 liter turbocharged engine is playful and competent.  On twists and turns, I was impressed with its responsiveness.  For more exciting driving, I would have liked to try the S60 T6 which puts out 300-hp and 325 ft-lb of torque.

All the ingredients for mom travel are there – easy to use latches, a roomy backseat and plenty of trunk space.  Even more, the S60 comes with additional safety features exclusive to Volvo.  Pedestrian Detection, which alerts the driver to a pedestrian in front of the car automatically brakes if the driver doesn’t respond in time.  City Safety prevents collisions with a vehicle ahead at speeds under 31mph.  If the velocity sensor detects an impending collision, it automatically activates the brakes to prevent a rear-end collision or lessen the impact.

With top notch safety, good looks and sporty, inspired driving, the 2013 Volvo S60 is hard to beat.

Some Basics
MSRP:  $31,750 
engine: 2.0 L Turbo, I-5
hp/torque: 250 hp/266 ft-lb.
drivetrain: FWD/AWD
fuel economy:  21 city/30 hwy
IIHS Safety Rating:  Good.

drivermom summary
Three words to describe this car
solid, sporty, luxurious

What’s the best thing about it?
great all around sedan

What’s the biggest drawback?
base model could use more power

Mom-friendliness score: A-

Driver-friendliness score: B+

If this car could talk, what would it say?
“So long boxy behind……”

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2012 Volkswagen Eos Executive

Posted on September 8, 2012 by drivermom

What a pleasure to drive the 2012 Volkswagen Eos.  Last week, drivermom and family moved to the Massachusetts south shore.  Shepherded on our emotional journey by this all-season convertible, it was a perfect car to celebrate moving to the ocean in a top-down, sun-welcoming sort of way.  The world’s only retractable hardtop with a built in sunroof, the Eos offers comfort, luxury and a great value for its class.

For 2012, the Eos design gets a face lift with a new grill and some sparkle to the rear with fancy LED tailights.  The interior has also benefitted from a serious upgrade.  Especially the Executive model  which comes equipped with a rich sounding, vibration-free 600 watt, 10-speaker Dynaudio sound system, touch screen navigation, leather wrapped steering wheel, leather seats, and dual climate control system.  The Executive model also includes a sport suspension and 18-inch alloy wheels.  All this makes for an upscale vehicle that’s a nice place to spend time.

I love playful cars.  And the Eos just begs to be played with.  Thanks to the well-respected, 2.0 liter, I-4 turbocharged engine, also found in the GTI, the driving is peppy and powerful.  Top down, the Eos is ready for sunglasses and windy roads.  It takes curves with a sharp responsiveness.  Yet this car also knows how to be serious, courting guests to a business lunch with smooth highway cruising and competent handling.  Both playful and mature….like an ideal kid!

The biggest drawback?  It’s not the best for baby toting.  The back seat was cramped getting my daughter in and out.  Even with older kids,  there’s not much space back there.  And the retractable hardtop, while putting on an impressive 25 second display, eats up the trunk space.  It fit the diaper bag and a pail and shovel.  I like traveling light, but this just isn’t a reality with kids.

All in all, the Eos is sporty, luxurious with the option of open-air driving at a competitive price.  Not the best mom-mobile…..but a fine choice for daily driving that’s ready for fun….whenever fun calls….

Some Basics
MSRP:  $39,585 
engine: I-4,  2.0 L turbo
hp/torque: 200 hp/207 ft-lb.
drivetrain: FWD
fuel economy:  22 city/30 hwy
IIHS Safety Rating:  Good.

drivermom summary
Three words to describe this car
playful, sporty, luxurious

What’s the best thing about it?
fun to drive

What’s the biggest drawback?
not a baby car

Mom-friendliness score: C+

Driver-friendliness score: A–

If this car could talk, what would it say?
“I’m one of those cars that just makes you smile.”

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2012 BMW 650i xDrive Coupe

Posted on September 4, 2012 by drivermom

BMW has made huge strides with this handsome grand touring car inside and out.  While still heavy and muscular, the exterior design has stepped out in vogue with sexier lines and curves, a low roofline and a wider stance.

The interior is gorgeous.  Long gone are the Spartan conditions of earlier generations.  Enveloped in luxurious, soft-as-butter, 20-way adjustable nappa leather seats behind a leather covered gauge cluster with alcantara overhead, what Mom would not feel indulged?  Wood finishes on the dash and gear shift box give it an added richness.  It looks, smells and feels good.  Equipped with extras like the M Sport package, 20 inch wheels, LED adaptive headlights (they really are cool), and premium sound system, going about one’s business goes from routine to absolute pleasure.

Being one who is slightly feeble when it comes to technology, I’m not the one to appreciate all the 650i offers.  Yet with advanced technology, I was still able to negotiate my way through the formerly cagey iDrive, and use all of the climate, radio and suspension functions easily.

Driving the 650 delivers the classic BMW road feel experience.  The twin-turbocharged V-8 engine is smooth and powerful.  The only drawback…..its weight can make running around town feel cumbersome.  On the other hand, it absorbs road bumps with composure.  Get it out on the highway and the car does what it does best…. soars like a rocket off the line.   Like a boxer in a higher weight class the 650i may not be as playful in the ring, but it’s rock solid and packs a powerful punch.

Getting a rear-facing car seat in and out of a coupe is always more challenging, no matter what the model.   So after a few airplane-like twists and turns, I settled my daughter in.  Once she was there, we had plenty of back seat room for a comfortable ride.  A forward facing seat would be far easier.  Latches were easy and accessible.   And for a sporty, luxury coupe, I was impressed by the cargo area.

An exceptional drive, with a melt your stress away interior, the 650i offers more Mom factor than meets the eye.

Some Basics
MSRP:  $86,000
engine: 4.4L,  V-8 twin turbo
hp/torque: 400 hp/450 ft-lb.
drivetrain: AWD
fuel economy:  15 city/20 hwy
IIHS Safety Rating:  not yet rated

drivermom summary
Three words to describe this car
luxury, touring coupe

What’s the best thing about it?
exceptional interior

What’s the biggest drawback?
its weighty, not a gas saver

Mom-friendliness score: B+

Driver-friendliness score: A-

If this car could talk, what would it say?
“Welcome driver, to the good life.”

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2012 Toyota Prius c

Posted on August 19, 2012 by drivermom

My dearest friend drives a Prius.  So I have to be careful about what I say.  The 2012 Prius c is cute.  And yes, it saves gas.  But in all honesty, in today’s automotive market, there are much more luxurious ways to conserve fuel.  And without spending a fortune.

All the elements of a fine vehicle are there.  Well built, safe, and efficient.  But the lackluster interior left me wanting more.  The cloth seats are moderately comfortable, but have a cheap seat feel.  Dash and center stack materials are plastic…even the steering wheel is plastic….and small.  It reminded me of my daughter’s Little Tikes Cozy Coupe.   It does come with a 6″ touch screen display and auto climate control, but I think I’ve seen fancier temperature knobs on a toaster oven.  Ok…I’ll stop.

For the Mom factor the Prius c does just fine.  A spacious backseat is always welcome.   The latches are hidden behind the veritcal slits in the seat cushion and close to the seat belt buckles.  Getting the car seat in and out took more effort than usual.  Cargo space is small, but that’s what the c model is all about.

Driving the hybrid is, well, driving a hybrid.   Ok, please don’t shoot me if you’re still reading.   I’ve grown to believe there are two kinds of people in the world, people who LOVE cars and people for whom cars are a means of getting from point A to point B.   For the latter, the Prius c is a perfectly good choice.  There’s nothing like good fuel economy.  And for this the Prius wins the gold.  It was nice to buzz around for days and not see the fuel marker budge.  For getting around, it’s perfect.  Light, small and efficient.  What the Prius c offers is basic, in the best sense of the word.   But if you’re looking for some degree of driving performance and an upscale interior, best to look elsewhere.

Some Basics
MSRP:  $18,950-$23,230
engine: gas/electric I-4, 1.5L, DOHC
hp/torque: 73hp @4800/82 ft-lb @4000
drivetrain: FWD
fuel economy:  53 city/46 hwy
IIHS Safety Rating: Good.  Top Safety Pick.

drivermom summary
Three words to describe this car
compact, fuel efficient, safe

What’s the best thing about it?
great fuel economy

What’s the biggest drawback?
interior is bland

Mom-friendliness score: B+

Driver-friendliness score: B-

If this car could talk, what would it say?
“Don’t tell anyone I eat nitrates.”

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