Infiniti EX 35 |
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- Incredible "top down" around-view composite parking camera system. The system uses four cameras and software, and it really works!
- Audio safety alert system uses radar and braking measurements, to indicate that you're closing too quickly on a nearby vehicle or object. It was right, too.
- Nice reasonable size. Not huge.
- Great ride and comfort — opposite of hard-riding FX series
- Small wagon-like versatility
- Plenty of power
- All the bells and whistles — including safety features
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- Lousy gas mileage — 19 combined
- Rear seat knee room is minimal
- Cargo room is compromised by the EX 35's sleek design
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Kia Soul |
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- We got 28 MPG, combined — not bad!
- Cool looking car. We think it'll be the #1 back-to-college car
- A bit over $18,000, fully tricked out with sunroof and all the accoutrements
- Two-liter engine is entirely adequate. We'd skip the 1.6 liter, which we think might be a bit underpowered.
- Pretty comfortable — including the back seat
- Handles well for a little car
- Surprisingly quiet
- 120 month/100,000 miles power train warranty
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- Very little cargo room, especially when traveling with driver and three passengers
- Small, so safety is a concern
- Annoying flashing speaker display on console. (Can be deactivated.)
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Hyundai Genesis |
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- For a little over $30K, you can have a car that's, in many ways, comparable to a mid-level Lexus or an Infiniti, either one of which is easily $10K more. Just as when Lexus and Infiniti first came out and undercut the German cars.
- Very comfortable ride, leans more to soft than sporty, but great for most people
- Excellent warranty, and a good manufacturer reputation
- Sweet engine. Six cylinder has all the power you need
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- A hint, here and there, of cheesiness and tackiness in the styling that's not present in high-end Japanese cars
- Little prestige in driving a Hyundai, if you care about such things (we don't)
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Volkswagen TDI Jetta |
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- Excellent mileage
- Much quieter than old diesels. Average driver might not even notice any additional noise most of the time.
- Sporty handling
- Good, practical size
- Station wagon option
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- Clutch was a bit touchy, leading to stalling.
- Large plastic cover over engine is designed to minimize noise. When it comes loose in a few years, the passenger cabin is going to get noisier.
- No power in second gear. Unforgiving, if you're in second gear and driving a touch too slowly — you'll stall out.
- Diesel fuel prices are somewhat unpredictable. If they soar, could negate the monetary savings of higher mileage.
- Spartan feel to the car's interior
- Seats are very firm
- Diesels vibrate — this one included. Over time, that'll increase wear and noise.
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