A Smarter, Sleeker Hybrid From Toyota
Back in the dark days of automotive history, fuel was cheap and plentiful and Detroit dinosaurs ruled the Earth. Then the Prius came along, offering the first practical hybrid solution, and became the bestselling car in California. Almost a decade later, fuel is cheap and plentiful again, and a changed world awaits the latest iteration of the world’s most successful hybrid. Since the debut of the original, the road has become busy...
Nice Interior, Not Much ‘Zoom’
The 2016 Mazda CX-3 (I give it three out of four stars) aims to add some sporty appeal to the growing class of subcompact crossover SUVs. The CX-3 competes with small SUVs like the Buick Encore, Chevrolet Trax, Fiat 500X, Honda HR-V, Jeep Renegade, Mitsubishi Outlander Sport and Nissan Juke. Its sleek looks suggest an enthusiastic driving experience the drivetrain doesn’t entirely deliver, but the top-of-the-line Grand Touring model...
Auto Review: Tacoma Equally Adept, on or off Road
After three days of city and highway driving, I was ready to dismiss the 2016 Toyota Tacoma pickup as a very nice, very tall sedan. One of those citified trucks. It’s so quiet, cushy and comfortable that it hardly seemed to be a truck at all. The plush seats, lush suspension, refined interior and single-finger steering lulled me into a Barcalounger-like state of relaxation. Floating above traffic, I imagined the best use of this...
Brain Waves Mined for Design of Vehicles Like Ford Gt
Detroit — Ford is adding data and the measurement of brain wave functions to its palette for improving the interior design of future vehicles from the Focus to the GT supercar. The exterior of a vehicle is what attracts a buyer and is a top purchase consideration, said Raj Nair, head of global product development. But a bad impression of the interior is one of the top three reasons for not buying a vehicle, especially as the average...
