DECISIVE AUTO LATINO
FIRSTLOOKS
most efficient engine operating condition.
The transmission is not only a performance enhancer,
it’s a fuel saver. Powered by two available engines, the base
inline 2.4-liter four-cylinder produces 184 horsepower and
has an EPA estimated fuel economy of 23 miles per gallon
(mpg) in the city and 36 mpg on the highway. A 3.6-liter
V6 is also available.
No discussion of technology can exclude safety
features and the 200 offers 60 of them, more than
its competitors.
The use of quality materials includes available leather seating with accent
piping and real wood accents, a segment exclusive.
Available in four trim levels, pricing for the 2015 200 starts at $22,695.
—Valerie Menard
Marking its twentieth anniversary in the U.S. market,
Kia steps into new territory with the all-new K900 luxury
sedan. The first rear-wheel-drive (RWD) venture for Kia
in the United States, the K900 makes a good first impression with its Scandinavian-inspired exterior design and
elegant, understated interior.
Opting to create a “new reality” for themselves as well
as car buyers, Kia offers a model with a V8 engine that
produces 420 horses. The base engine is the 3.8-liter V6
with 311 horsepower, the most powerful V6 in the Kia
lineup. Both are mated to the new smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission.
Drive mode select further enhances performance by allowing drivers to select
among, Eco, Normal and Sport, modes to adjust shift mapping and the electric
steering’s sensitivity.
As a luxury model, and a Kia, the standard equipment
list contains unique perks like a standard power rear window
sunshade, and retractable rear side window sunshades, a
900-watt Lexicon high-fidelity audio system, leather seats, and
front and rear park-assist sensors and cameras.
Stepping up to the V8 brings more goodies like Nappa
leather, a panoramic sunroof, the blind spot and lane change
warning systems, and rear cross traffic alert. The new Heads
Up Display is optional, however, on both the V6 the V8.
An added plus to Kia’s already impressive warranty package is the three-year, 37,500-mile complimentary scheduled maintenance program at
participating Kia dealerships.
With plans to introduce the V6 later this year, pricing for the K900 V8 starts
at $60,400. —V.M.
Toyota continues to jazz-up its lineup with a new
design DNA that borrows a bit from the new look of
Lexus. The latest beneficiary is the all-new 2014 Highlander crossover utility vehicle (CUV).
Not only is the exterior sporting a more refined look
with a new trapezoidal grille, wraparound headlamps
and chiseled fenders, improvements continue on the
inside. Three rows of seating are standard, the new
dashboard sweeps across the front and includes a nifty
tray for keys, cell phones, and such, plus silver-painted,
satin, and chrome-plated accents are featured throughout. There’s also a newly
designed LCD in-meter-cluster Multi-Information Display available in a 3.5-inch
black and white or a 4.2-inch color display.
With the option of a second row bench, the Highlander
can fit up to eight passengers. Second row captain’s chairs are
available. Folding seats in the second and third row deliver the
versatility that’s expected of CUVs. Rear cargo space behind the
third-row has also increased by 34 percent for added storage.
Available as a front-wheel or all-wheel drive (AWD), the
Highlander gets its power from three engines—the standard 2.7-liter four cylinder, a 3.5-liter V6 for the higher
trim levels, and a V6 for the hybrid version.
They hybrid does deliver the best fuel economy, 28 mpg
combined, but surprisingly, the four-cylinder has only one mpg advantage over
the V6 FWD model. Available in four trim levels, pricing for the 2014 Highlander
starts at $29,215 excluding destination fees. —V.M.
Five years ago, Hyundai stepped up its game
when it introduced the Genesis, its first premium
luxury sedan, to the U.S. market. A game changer for
Hyundai, the second generation definitely builds on
what its predecessor started.
The “fluidic sculpture” that won accolades in the
previous generation, has been refined starting with
a powerful single-frame 3D-hexagonal grille. The
Genesis is the first to display the new design DNA.
Setting a new benchmark, Hyundai offers an AWD
version of the Genesis along with a RWD model. The
standard Intelligent Drive Mode allows drivers to choose between Eco, Normal,
Sport, and Snow modes for improved performance.
The Genesis comes with