Motorweek; 2603

We. Play the field with seven of the newest fuel sipping sub compacts to see how many miles they can squeeze out of $3 a gallon. Yeah we wring out the answers for you next week. Hi I'm Pat Goss finding leaks under the hood. This time I'm Goss's garage. This week wearing some equate West Virginia where we're getting. Ready for a. Road experience. Plus we'll test standards. Hence a mid-sized or a sedan so come draw it with us. Kelly. Brought to you by the Stanley Works makers of Mac's life three six mine tripod elimination tools Stanley is proud to support public television steadily. Make something great information available at w w w dot Stanley Works dot com ad buy Dunlop tires. The search for true performance is part of our heritage. Dunlop is proud to present the Dunlop

drivers Cup where amateurs from around the world compete head to head in the on and off road competitions. Information at Dunlop tires dot com. And buy cars dot com. Let's say you're looking for a car. Cars dot com can help research locate and even contact a dealer. Cars dot com find the right car for you. Your host for Motor Week. John Davis. Well hello and welcome again to motor week. We're glad to have you with us. Three dollars a gallon. Can you believe it. It seems like nothing hits the American psyche harder than high gas prices and those prices have jump started small car sales to their best levels in over a decade. So there's no better time than now for a closer look at the latest in fuel efficient sub compact cars. It's a whole new car world out there and one where being small is no longer a shortcoming.

New choices among small cars have really taken off in the last year. But just being small doesn't give you the big picture. Even in a fission sub contact has to be comfortable and safe. So we put some of the newer subcompact cars through the wringer to give you an idea on how much gas and cash they can save you and at what expense. While some of the cars had manual transmissions and other automatics we evaluated all seven and similar very hot weather and measured fuel economy over routes through Maryland and Pennsylvania that included open highway country roads and urban gridlock. First out of the gate was the all new for 2006 Hyundai Accent sedan that is longer and wider than before. The likewise roomier Interior has plenty of standard features including six airbags making it a safety leader of the sub compact class. Power comes from a new 1.6 leader dual cam 4 cylinder with 110 horsepower and 106 pound feet of torque transmission choices or a 5

speed manual for our cars for speed automatic. That combination draws government fuel economy ratings up 28 city 36 highway. The result will widen wind at 33 miles per gallon of regular gas with prices starting as low as 12000 $995. The Hyundai Accent sedan is a good car to consider it's saving gas is your goal. Next up is key is all new for 2006 Rio fon. He is now a subsidiary of Hyundai. So this much more refined new Rio is built on the excellence platform. Our Test 3 0 5 5 door hatchback is powered by the same 1.6 leader dual cam core as its cousin NPA trim and makes 110 horsepower and 170 pound feet of torque with our car's fi speed manual or the optional four speed automatic. We found the interior of the Rio 5 both accommodating and very versatile. It too is well equipped including standard side curtain airbags. Our Rio

5 with its 5 speed manual has a government fuel economy ratings of 32 city 35 highway but on our test loop 31 miles per gallon of regular gas was all we managed. Still with its high content and $5 flexibilty along with reasonable prices starting at fourteen thousand three hundred thirty dollars the Rio 5 is an appealing small drone. Korean nameplates are making big gains in the subcompact market but Japanese brands are still the benchmarks and the latest from giant Toyota is the diminutive 2007 Diarra sedan a more sophisticated successor to the homely eco the Yarra says one of the slickest looking small sedans on the road. It's tall airy interior also reminds you of much larger cars and as typical Toyota level excellent fit in finish. But while air conditioning is standard a radio is not curtain airbags are also an option. Theodorus drive train is a 1.5 liter Twin Cam for with 106

horsepower and 103 pound feet of torque trainee choices are our cars by street manual or an optional four speed automatic. The manual gives with your US government fuel economy ratings of 34 City 40 highway and us an impressive thirty nine MPG test loop on regular fuel. With the economy like that and a low base price of twelve thousand five hundred five dollars the Toyota Yaris sedan is already a big small car success. Honda has sold a few small cars in its day as well and their newest compact is the 2007 bit. Edgier and sportier than its competitors the total fit is way larger inside than its exterior suggests. And like all Honda is extremely well equipped with curtain airbags ABS and second row magic seat that folds flat or into a recliner. The fit gets around thanks to a 1.5 later single overhead cam engine with 109 horsepower and 105 pound feet of torque. Both manual and

auto trannies our 5 speeds are automatic Fit Sport also adds F1 style paddle shifters which allowed us to really bang through the gear so and put our pits government fuel economy ratings are 31 city and 37 highway. We met that measure with 36 miles for a regular gallon in our test for prices starting at fourteen thousand four hundred forty five dollars. The Honda Fit is one impressive small car. Of course Nissan has turned out a few fine subcompacts of its own and their latest is the 2007 versa. This small but all city car is built on a platform shared with corporate parent Renault. It pushes the wheels way to the corners to maximize interior space. This gives our birth a five door hatchback a cabin that's a full six feet long and the largest of our lot hair and curtain airbags are standard. The bursa engine also rates big. It's 1.8 leader dual cam 4 with 122 horsepower and 127 pound feet of torque with its

optional continuously variable automatic six speed manual is standard. It yields government fuel economy ratings of 30 city and 36 highway and on our test loop did indeed deliver fine 35 miles per gallon of regular with the mileage like that big room at a base price of thirteen thousand fifty five dollars. The Nissan Versa hatchback looks like a big bargain in a small car. Suzuki has delivered its share of competent small cars over the year and this 2006 Torino continues that trend. Our five door hatchback sports racy Euro design lines and a high level of build quality. It also boasted two leader Twin Cam four with one hundred twenty six horsepower and one hundred thirty one pound feet of torque making it the power leader of our lot. While a four speed automatic is available by Reno's standard six speed manual delivers modest government fuel economy ratings of 23 city and 30 highway on our loop its 25 mpg was the lowest in our test.

Greenoak prices start at thirteen thousand eight hundred seventy nine dollars. It's another good effort by Suzuki but it's also up against some very serious competition. The car that gets credit for starting the current subcompact boom is the day we made Chevrolet of a 0. It sold well even before $3 a gallon gas. Revamp for 2007. This Korean import sedan is longer wider and much more refined than before and much more upscale inside with our Ltd boasting the wood look and feature list of the luxury car front side impact airbags are standard but curtain airbags are not. Collars from a 1.6 leader Google overhead cam for quick 103. Horsepower and 170 pound feet of torque gearboxes are a standard speed manual for our testers for speed automatic with the auto the sedan earns government fuel economy ratings of 26 city and 34 highway. Our test returned a modest 26 miles for a gallon of regular.

So here the of aoe has to play catch up. But with so many features and the group's best highway ride the avails sedans the base price of twelve thousand three hundred ninety five dollars still makes it a serious Sigma contender. Now all of our lucky seven made solid impressions on us to fuel economy as your sole motivator the Toyota Yaris is comparable to a small hybrid. The Honda Fit a Nissan Versa did pretty well in economy too. At the bottom of the fuel economy ladder other Chevrolet avail and Suzuki Reno as a group their taller interiors proved very roomy and safe with the Nissan Versa and Chevrolet of Bayeux the most comfortable for daily use but for the sporting experience in a fuel sipping subcompact the Honda Fit was our clear favorite. So if you're in a gas saving mood you don't have to pinch on features and the the new crop of subcompacts have a few shortcomings. Delivering lots of smiles with air miles.

Coming up off the road how tos and how not. It's. Time now for a stop by Goss's garage and more car care advice that you need to know. John sooner or later just about every car will have some kind of a leak under the hood. The leak might be engine oil it might be cool it it could be refrigerant from the air conditioning system automatic transmission power steering all of these systems can leak and finding the source of that leak can be a real problem. Now one of the things that certainly helps is to have a mechanic's mirror especially a lighted mirrors such as we have here. This will give you the ability to get down into areas that you couldn't see otherwise. But that may not be the whole answer. You may actually have so much of the liquid laying around you can't tell where it's coming from. Well that means that your next best way to

go is with a leak detection kit. Now these are made with special dyes that go into the system that is leaking and that dye is designed in such a manner that it will glow under an ultraviolet light so you can buy the appropriate kit and the appropriate die. They're made for do it yourself and you can do your own diagnosis. Now let's say you have an air conditioning leak. This is the unit that would install the dye into the air conditioning system this is actually the dying. There's an adapter that goes on the end of it and the handle here cranks this in under pressure works very very well. And of course as I say we have dyes for all of the different systems for the cooling system and automatic transmission and so on. Now once the dye is installed into the system that's leaking. The next thing is to drive the

car for a ways. Now depending on the severity of the leak. Well that may be just a couple of miles or it may be a couple hundred miles. But once you've driven the car for a while the fluid will leak out it brings some of the dye with it. Then what you need. You need a pair of these special glasses and yes they do come with the kit. And you need a diet light. This is an ultraviolet light. And again it comes with the kit. Now with the dye in the car you simply start looking in the general area where you suspect that the leak is. And as we can see here we have done a running out of the valve cover on this car tells us that that is where the leak is. The highest point where you can see the die. That's where the leak is coming from. It really and truly simplifies things. And it's inexpensive and easy to do if you have a

question or comment. Write to me the address is Motor Week Owings Mills Maryland 2 1 1 1 7. When we test an SUV we always comment on how it stacks up when off roading. But there's a lot more to offer driving than just turning off the pavement and few SUV owners know how to get the most out of their off roaders when the going gets tough. So Motor Week reporter Yolanda Vasquez is taking us back to school for some required off road education. The relentless rumble of cars speeding along the track is a familiar sound at Summit Point Raceway. But once a month this high speed activity takes a back seat to the slow moving pace and slip sliding motion. Of off road driving. You think you just get in this truck and blast through the woods and it's not that I mean there's really a technique you have to think about in the process. You have to follow and it's something that's a little different than the way you drive every day.

You go you talk you should get him over here all right. That technique is taught by experienced instructors at the BSR driver training school located on the grounds of Summit Point Raceway. This close course of approximately 15 acres of natural wooded terrain is the perfect setting for an off road adventure that will leave you. On the edge of your seat. The eight hour course begins in the classroom setting. Most of the students are amateur off roaders eager to improve their driving skills and I was no exception. The techniques that we teach you today will apply to the majority of four wheel drive vehicles out there. Instructor Al Bell reviews the core subject of the next. Blaine's the basic principle of trail driving and we're going to use the brakes to control our speed. Less brake pressure is going to make the car go faster so it's inverse of normal driving or the gas pedal makes the car go. All vehicles used in the school on modified with skid plates oversized mud tires brush guards and tow hitches mandatory equipment for any serious off

roader. Once we familiarize ourselves with the Jeep it was time to hit the road. To go this way. That's it. Now are you going. Nigella. I wouldn't exactly say I left my classmates in the dust but there is a sense of pride you feel when you overcome a formidable obstacle. People are amazed that the jeeps can accomplish what they accomplished. Then they get very amazed at what they can accomplish. You know the things that play a little you know I just you know they're legal going on they're trying to you know get up that hill and all but they're going to write. All the expedition covers a good amount of territory including steep hills tricky decent Rocky trenches mud bogs and the occasional sand pit. Now the key to success of off road driving is picking the right path. For example I turned left into the field because I was already an established route. But a lot of it also depends on driver technique.

Watches this guy gets trapped in the mud and tries to remedy the situation by stepping on the gas. The lesson errors that you need to use a little more momentum in some situation. After 15 minutes of spinning his wheels the driver calls it quits and turns to the trusty snatch strap. Extraction techniques are vital part of the curriculum here. Pete forno paid close attention to the first driver's missteps he takes his time and heed the advice of his instructor. The break let's go let's go with Marco Rubio and he makes it by straddling your side edges with a mine on long mentum to push him through and off roaders driving skills are truly put to the test at the pit of despair. This steep almost impossible to navigate slope is not for the faint of heart. Just ask a doubtful Jerry chain. I don't think they can make those but obviously other people have been so I want to go into the pool head. They are that great but not enough that you're getting and people get through it all right. And perhaps that's the biggest lesson these students learn in this off road driving course that no matter

how insurmountable an obstacle may seem there's always a way to conquer it even if it leaves you feeling. On you. Our year long adventure with this 2005 Porsche Boxster S is nearly over. So a fourteen thousand miles behind its wheel we thought it would be a good time to separate Porsche fact from fiction. Porches have a reputation as expensive to own and operate. Well yes and no. Our boxed her ass with options did cost over sixty one thousand dollars but well-equipped Boxster prices started $45000. And as for operating expenses the four year 50000 mile bumper to bumper warranty gives lots of peace of mind. Our car's only faults are rattle in the wind blocker and tires they wore down fast from our enthusiastic driving. Some also say porches are difficult to drive. Boy is that an ole wives tale with its 280 horsepower flat six located amidships our box your ass is

nearly perfectly balanced. That location also ensures good traction in the wet and it's also reasonable on fuel. Our total test mileage is twenty two point two miles per gallon of premium and when the weather is fine the Boxster is tight fitting top drops to quickly leave your cares behind the Porsche Boxster s may be frivolous but it's one elixir that works as advertised. Our fleets other sporty two door is a 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse coupe. It too has been with us a year and we've been quite pleased with this affordable hatchback. Even after 14000 miles long book entries continue to praise it's roomy versatile cockpit like interior and efficient operation even with RG TS 263 horsepower V-6 fuel use has been limited to 23 mpg of premium gas. It also has been totally trouble free. Our only complaint is a ride that's a bit too song. Speaking of soft the eclipse also comes as a soft top spider and with some warm driving weather

left. We traded our 2006 eclipse coupe for a stay in this 2007 eclipse spider. We'll see if our shine for the eclipse continues in the open air version will open the log books on this BMW 330 X I and on our Subaru benign try back a sport utility on the next motor week long term road test update. The mid-size family sedan segment it's a tough place to compete. Market leaders Toyota Camry and Honda Accord are so good that it's hard for any newcomer to make a mark. But Saturn is determined to carve out a piece of the midsize pie with its all new or a sedan that's a tall order. But then Saturn is not just another car company. Boys dad but dazzle the Saturns plain-Jane image. The all new aura is clearly intended to give mid-size import brand stalwarts some healthy domestic competition

but it will do so by first attracting cars with its very European charm far as distinctive Continental styling sets a tone that conveys both the elegance and capability with purposeful lines from head to tail like the striking sky roadster the Saturn Aura as fresh look includes expressive details like Jewel clarity head lamps in a wide grille. Indeed Saturn is aptly achieved the premium appearance for the new family sedan. In addition dual exhaust short overhangs and deck led an optional 18 inch 14 spoke past wheels make sure already sporty credentials are also firmly planted. Substantial presence on the road. They are as wheelbase measures a considerable one hundred twelve point three inches. That's long for its class and ensures a roomy interior overall link is 190 inches perched atop GMC advanced Epsilon platform also used by the Saab 9 3 Pontiac G-6 and Chevrolet Malibu.

The Aura's foundation is solid and still has this company and chassis delivers a compliant yet comfortable ride regardless of surface. Our first time with the aura took us to Santa Barbara where we sought out curvy canyons to put it through its paces. The tuning of the four link independent rear suspension allowed for ambitious driving hydraulic rack and pinion steering is good on center field and a fast degree of maneuverability. At the heart of the front wheel drive all realize one of two familiar GMV six of the basic C launches by way of a 3.5 leader pushrod B6 with variable valve timing for speed automatic output is two hundred twenty four horsepower and two hundred twenty pound feet of torque. The upgraded acts are there. We drove close to totally contemporary 3.6 liter Twin Cam £24 B6 also with DDT joined up with high dramatic sixty seventy six speed automatic. This combo yields a lofty two hundred fifty two horsepower and two hundred fifty one pound Peter Tork. That's more

torque for pulling. Power than either accord or Camry. The three point six mates to GM as first front drive application of a six speed automatic transmission that includes a manual shift mode for a more driver controlled experience. We found ships to be quick under full throttle and seamless while cruising. Fuel economy is fairly typical for its class. There already has government fuel economy ratings of 20 city and 28 highway using regular gas and we see no reason to doubt them. Stopping is enforced by standard four wheel disgrace with ABS available on our x our models to build tracks to build a control and Hansen's both bad weather and dry handling traction. Open the doors of the aura and step into an upscale well-appointed cabin. There are no classes accordion easily rivals the new Camry. This is the best car interior that GM has ever done. The contemporary dash House has sharply defined controls and a gauge cluster that aptly stands out. Standard features in the basic C model

are about average for its class and graduate nicely with a well-equipped XO art amenities there include eight way power driver's seat with the automatic climate control a 6 to CD changer an MP 3 player with auxiliary input jack and on Star The R is longer than normal wheelbase pays a handsome dividend in the form of ample rear seat room. Well Finnish truck measures a big fourteen point nine cubic feet. On the pricing front the Oregon has an edge over both Camry and Accord. The x c model is based priced at twenty thousand five hundred ninety five dollars. That's at least $3000 lower than a V-6 Camry will record. The up level x R model comes attractively outfitted for a still reasonable twenty four thousand five hundred ninety five dollars. Well across the board the Saturn Aura showed us it is indeed a very worthy opponent. A highly refined five seat four door that is ready and willing to entice consumers with all its many charms. And once again Saturn proves it's not just

another car company. As the 2007 Alright it is the most impressive family sedan from General Motors in decades. Well I hope you'll join us next week for more motorways. Well Tess Honda's all new CRV compact utility and Audi's electrifying Our ask or super sports sedan. I'm John Davis. We'll see that. To learn more about Motor Week TV's original automotive magazine visit peeping asked Dot org. To order a DVD or VHS copy of this program call 1 800 8 7 3 6 1 5 4 Motorway has been brought to you by the Stanley Works makers of max life 3 6 9 tripod elimination tools Stanley is proud to support public television steadily. Make something great information available at w w w dot Stanley Works dot com ad by Dunlop tires. The search for true performance is part of our heritage. Dunlop is proud to present but Dunlop

drivers Cup were amateurs from around the world to compete head to head in the on and off road competitions. Information at Dunlop tires dot com and buy cars dot com. Let's say your looking for a car. Cars dot com can help research locate and even contact a dealer. Cars dot com find the right car for you. This program was produced by Maryland Public Television which is soley responsible for its content. Creator God PBS.