Automotive Reviews
Emmy Jackson
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Posts by Emmy Jackson
2011 Infiniti QX56
0580 days
I must admit, I had to pause for a moment before meeting the all-new Infiniti QX56. Why did the company bother to redesign it? I wasn’t the only one to wonder, either.
Since its introduction, Infiniti’s full-size SUV has been a badge-engineered Nissan Armada; a capable vehicle, but nothing to write home about. Additionally, the full-size luxury SUV market has collapsed to about a third of what it was at its peak five years ago. Big, gas-guzzling sport-utes would appear to be the last thing on consumers’ minds at the moment, especially those that lack the star power of a Cadillac Escalade or Range Rover. (more…)
2010 Acura ZDX
1589 days
I was stopped in a parking lot by a gentleman who told me, in no uncertain terms, that he thought the ZDX was the “most beautiful car ever built.” It’s definitely striking; Acura’s family face suits the big, sharp-edged design. Of course, opinions will vary–Acura’s family face is also very polarizing, and folks either love it or detest it. Me? I like it, but then it’s funny-looking, so you probably knew I would.
The ZDX itself is a vehicle that’s apt to inspire debate, for that matter. This new-for-2010 Acura is a highly-evolved, high-tech…well, what is it? By the numbers, it’s a tall coupe-sedan, an ultra-modern luxury crossover that offers more utility than a similar sedan can. The ZDX features all of the usual Acura goodies: high-tech appointments, superb handling and cutting edge style. In the metal, it doesn’t really look like anything else. It doesn’t feel much like anything else, either. (more…)
2010 Volkswagen Golf TDI
1594 days
It’s a good thing the MINI Cooper came along, as far as the Volkswagen Golf is concerned. For years, the Golf soldiered along as a subcompact that cost a bit more than most others, and offered excellent driving dynamics and a bit of European cachet for the price walk. All of that didn’t mean much until the MINI arrived and coined the term “premium compact.” With those two words, suddenly it was okay to be a small car that cost a bit more.
These days, there’s even more reason to forgive the Golf’s high price, thanks to a fresh redesign for 2010 and the return of the Golf TDI. With diesel power, the Golf adds a significant increase in fuel economy without the usual tradeoffs that come from having a smaller, more efficient gasoline engine. It’s also less complex than a hybrid-electric vehicle. The Volkswagen TDI lineup has many loyal owners thanks to its reputation for frugality and reliability. So what’s it like going diesel? (more…)