Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Review

If you've seen my photo, you know that my boy racer days are (or should be, anyway) long over.

So imagine my surprise when, on my way to pick up my daughter from ballet, a car pulls up next to me at a stoplight and starts revving like crazy. I glance over and there are two teenage boys...in an older Mitsubishi Evolution...drooling over the new one I'm driving.

I roll down the window.

"Hey, dude! Nice car!"

(I'm still trying to figure out which would have been worse..."dude" or "sir".)

I say "Thanks, yours too.", roll up the window and accelerate normally when the light turns green. This mystifies the boys who roar ahead and fall back, finally timing things so we end up side-by-side at a stoplight about a mile further up the road. I roll down the window again.

"So, dude...wanna race?"

"No, thanks."

"But, dude! It's an EVO!"

Had the light not turned green at that very second, I probably would have gone all Ward Cleaver on them and stuff (oh, no...teenspeak is catching), explaining that flooring a lightweight car with 300 horsepower can have serious consequences as regards public safety, insurance and the privilege to hold a valid driver's license. I could even have explained that the Evo isn't a drag racer, it's a purpose-built rally car...

Look, this car is crazy fast. One-eighth throttle induces an involuntary "whoa!" the first time you do it. More than that and there are G-forces at work. This is the car that makes me glad I'm not in my 20s anymore because I'd probably be dead before I could post the review.

What impresses me most is what Mitsubishi did to transform the basic Lancer into the fire-breathing Evolution. It goes beyond a hot engine and stiff suspension. There's a brace built behind the rear seat to control (maybe eliminate is the better term) body flex. The Recaro racing seats are nothing short of awesome. And everything feels like it's been upgraded about seven classes from what you'd find in a stock Lancer.

Yes, there's a price for this kind of serious machinery...$38,290 base (a $2,000 Rockford Fosgate 650 watt audio system sent the test vehicle to a $41,740 bottom line). More than double a Lancer's sticker. If this is your type of car, then I can't imagine one better. Just be careful, okay?

Nissan Altima Hybrid Review

In the past decade or so, I've probably driven 20 or more hybrids...ten of them Toyota Priuses. But the Nissan Altima Hybrid is the only one where someone stopped me...in traffic...wanting to talk about it.

We were at a stoplight and he and his wife motioned furiously for me to roll down the window. I thought maybe I had a flat...or a fire. Nope. They noticed the rather discreet "hybrid" badge on the trunk. It was a short red light, so a short conversation.

Until the next red light...when he had more questions. It took two more stoplights (by then I'd just left the window down) for him to get to the big question:

"What kinda mileage you getting?"

I blew his mind. I told him the truth. 35 in the city.

I think he may have driven straight to the nearest Nissan dealer. If I were in the market, I might do the same thing. The Altima Hybrid is the lowest-hype, least-gimmicky hybrid out there. If there wasn't a badge on the trunk and a discreet energy management display, you'd think you were driving a regular Altima sedan.

The window sticker showed an EPA estimated 35 city/33 highway. So I figured I might get 30 or 32 if I babied it. And then, because the car is so...normal...I drove it like any other car (yes, I play a Prius like a video game, trying to squeeze the mpg number ever higher).

Son of a gun. It got 35. And I wasn't being careful.

For most people, an Altima is about the right size for a sedan...so the hybrid option makes a ton of sense...improving the gasoline version's mileage by 35%...and at a reasonable price.

The sticker starts at $25,070. Loaded with leather, heated power seats, Bluetooth, A Bose 9-speaker AM/FM/XM/6-CD/mp3 audio system, rear passenger air conditioning vents and more, the bottom line was $30,375.

Yes, it's more expensive than the gasoline version comparably equipped...but not a lot more. And it's in line with prices for a well-equipped sedan. And you can spend that much on a loaded Prius, which is a much smaller car. Nissan's hit a serious bulls-eye here. Let's hope people (like that guy in traffic) notice.

BMW Z4

BMW Z4

Ø Tahun : 2003-2004

Ø Mesin : 2.998 cc 6 slinder, 231 dk

Ø Harga : Rp 472-556 juta

+ posisi duduk, atap terbuka, kualitas pengendaraan, depresiasi.

- perawatan mahal, interior sederhana, hanya tersedia matik

Dalam kondisi baru, harga mobil ini berada di kisaran Rp. 1 milyar. Tapi setelah 4 tahun di pakai, harganya terdepressiasi hingga lebih dari 50%. Padahal hingga sekrang BMW Z4 tetap terelihat eksotis dan berkelas. Lekukan garis controversial Chris Bangle justru membuatnya terlihat mencolok.

Salah satu keunggulan utama BMW Z4 adalah mesinnya yang bertenaga serta bersuara merdu. Selain itu distribusi bobot 50:50 membuat pengendaliannya begitu presisi. Tetapi memiliki BMW Z4 mengharuskan anda menyiapkan dana lebih untuk perawatannya

AUDI TT 1.8T

AUDI TT 1.8T

Ø Tahun: 2002-2004

Ø Mesin: 1.796 cc 4 silinder turbo, 150 dk

Ø Harga: Rp. 219-344 Juta

+ Model unik, kualitas pembuatan, fitur banyak, mudah dikemudikan.

- Kabin terkesan sangat sempit, akselerasi dan pengendalian.

Sejak pertama kali muncul, Audi TT telah banyak merebut hati banyak orang karena modelnya yang sangat unik. Tak heran setiap pemiliknya bangga mengendarai Audi TT. Namun mengusung mesin 1.796 cc turbo serupa A3, Audi TT bukanlah jawara kecepatan. Ia cukup kencang di banding mobil biasa, tapi belum bisa di katakana fantastis.

Meski kualitas kabinnya patut di acungin jempol, tidak demikian dengan kesan mengemudinya. Selain posisi duduk kurang ergonomic, kesan sempit juga begitu kentara dengan nuansa hitam di kabin. Namun ga bisa dielakan, saat mengendarai TT akan mendapat atensi orang sekitar yang luar biasa.

HONDA S2000

HONDA S2000
 Tahun: 2001-2003
 Mesin: 1.998 cc 4 silinder, 240 dk
 Harga: Rp. 400-500 juta

+ Tenaga mesin, Convertible, posisi duduk, handling
- Harga sangat tinggi, kabin kurang berkelas, sempit

Di pasaran mobil sport bekas, S2000 termasuk salah satu yang harganya paling bertahan. Ada beberapa alasan, pertama, modelnya banyak disukai banyak orang, serta performancenya cukup disegani. S2000 pun merupakan satu-satunya mobil lansiran Honda dengan penggerak belakang. Meski hanya berkapasitas 1.998 cc, Honda mampu membuatnya menyembur tenaga 240 dk. Tentunya cukup untuk melajukan 0-100 km/jam dalam 6 detik saja. Walau posisi pengemudi S2000 mengasikan tidak demikian dengan kualitas kabinnya. Rangka atap lipatnya terkesan kurang estetis dan kesan sempit menyeruak. Tapi ketika atap dibuka rasakan keasikan mengendarai sebuah Roadster.

BMW 330Ci

BMW 330Ci

§ Tahun: 2003

§ Mesin: 2.998 cc 6 silinder, 231 dk

§ Harga: Rp. 300 Juta

+ Model elegan, deruman 6 silinder, kualitas pembuatan, 4 penumpang

- Problem elektronik, daya tahan material kabin, perawatan mahal

Seri-3 Coupe ini sangat cocok bagi anda yang sudah berada di level eksekutif. Tongkrongannya memang sporty namun kesan elegan tidak ditinggalkan. Bahkan Seri-3 berpintu dua ini memiliki model yang dapat dikatakan abadi.

Posisi mengemudi sangat ergonomic dan kualitas kemewahannya khas mobil premium. Tenaganya memang halus dan tak seagresif mobil sport tulen. Tapi di jalan bebas hambatan lajunya sulit tertandingi. Saat membeli bekas, perhatikan kondisi material kabin karena kurang kuat menghadapi gesekan.

HONDA INTEGRA TYPE R - SPORTS CAR

HONDA INTEGRA TYPE R (MOBIL BEKAS)
 Tahun: 2004-2006
 Mesin: 1.998 cc 4 silinder, 220 dk
 Harga: Rp290-362 juta

+ Lengkingan mesin putaran tinggi, pengendalian, posisi mengemudi, model
- Torsi di putaran bawah, barng langka, penggerak depan

Nama Honda integra sudah cukup melegendasejak era 90-an. Coupe berbasis Civic ini dilengkapi mesin 2.0 i-VTEC yang telah dimodifikasi Honda hingga sanggup memuntahkan 220 dk. Bentuknya juga keren dan mobil ini memiliki pengendalian sangat baik meski berpenggerak belakang di mobil sport.
Honda Integra menuntut putaran tinggi lantaran berbasis mesin N/A dan agar system VTEC-nya bekerja. Dan saat aktif, VTEC membuat mesin ini mencari di pasar mobkas. Tapi begitu mendapatkannya, anda bagai memiliki sebuah masterpiece.

TOYOTA CELICA - SPORTS CAR

TOYOTA CELICA (MOBIL BEKAS)
 Tahun: 2004-2006
 Mesin:1.796 cc 4 silinder, 140 dk
 Harga: Rp 250-330 Juta

+ Model eksotis, hemat bbm, perawatan murah, pengendalian
- Mesin kurang tenaga, hanya 2 orang, kurang sporty

Toyota celica 1.8 diciptakan bagi anda yang ingin bergaya sporty tanpa ingin membayar mahal untuk perawatan dan bensin. Dengan mesin 140 dk, serupa dengan Corolla Altis – Celica bukanlah mobil yang bisa memacu adrenalin anda secara maksimal. Setidaknya pengendalian mobil ini berada di atas mobil konvensional.
Dalam kondisi standar model bodi Celica memang sudah eksotis. Tapi supaya lebih sporty, anda harus menambahkan body kit. Untuk sekedar bergaya di jalanan, Celica memang pilihan tepat. Tapi bila ada mobil lain yang ‘menantang’ di lampu merah, anda harus berpikir 2 kali sebelum nekad melawannya.

NISSAN 350Z - SPORTS CAR

NISSAN 350Z (MOBIL BEKAS)
 Tahun: 2004-2006
 Mesin: 3.499 cc 6 silinder, 280 dk
 Harga : Rp. 380-600 Juta

+ Raungan 6 silinder, model eksotis, sasis presisi, posisi duduk
- Kabin sempit, bantingan agak keras, ground clearance

Mobil sport satu ini banyak meraih penghargaan di luar negeri. Diantaranya karena mesinnya memiliki karakter kuat dari bawah sampai atas dan sasisnya begitu presisi. Mengemudikan Nissan 350Z benar-benar terasa mobil sport tulen.
Nissan 350Z memang tak diciptakan untuk anda yang takut ruang sempit. Tapi sekali duduk anda akan merasa nyaman dengan posisi rendah. Belilah Nissan 350Z bila anda hanya memakainya sesekali dan tak melewati jalan rusak, karena ia memiliki ground clearance rendah serta bantingan suspensi keras.

MITSUBISHI LANCER EVO VIII MR - SPORTS CAR

MITSUBISHI LANCER EVO VIII MR (MOBIL BEKAS)
 Tahun: 2005-2006
 Mesin: 1.998 cc 4 silinder turbo, 280 dk
 Harga: Rp. 320-350 Juta

+ System 4x4, mudah ditingkatkan tenaganya, ratio setir
- Posisi duduk dan model kurang sporty, speed limiter, kopling berat

Generasi Lancer Evolution sangat digemari di Indonesia. Mobil berdarah reli dunia ini memang hanya berkapasitas 2.000 cc, tapi ia dilengkapi turbo kuat. Dalam kondisi standar ia memang hanya bertenaga 280 dk – sesuai aturan di Jepang, tapi sangat mudah ditingkatkan tenaganya dengan mengatur tekanan turbo.
Tranmisi manualnya memiliki ratio rapat dan presisi. Apa lagi daya cengkeramnya superior berkat pemakaian system penggerak 4 WD. Namun berhubung mmiliki basis serupa Lancer biasa, model dan posisi duduknya tidak seperti mobil sport tulen. Setidaknya anda bisa menikmati akselerasi 0-100 km/jam di bawah 6 detik. Bila tidak dimodifikasi, lancer memiliki pembata kecepatan 180 km/jam.

MAZDA RX-8 SPORTS CAR (MOBIL BEKAS)

SPORTS CAR MOBIL BEKAS

MAZDA RX-8
 Tahun: 2006-2007
 Mesin: 1.306 cc rotary, 250dk
 Harga: Rp. 260-340 juta

+ Handling superior, harga, muat 4 orang, kehalusan mesin rotary
- Panas masuk kabin, torsi di putaran rendah, sangat boros bbm

Ini adalah salah satu mobil sport yang revolusioner. Sepintas bentuknya yang sporty menyiratkan mobil ini hanya 2 pintu. Padahal bagianbelakang pintu depan yang kecil, dapat dibuka sebagai pintu belakang. Model pintu bar ini memudahkan akses penumpang ke tempat duduk belakang yang cukup luas.
Bila ingin mendapatkan performa maksimal RX-8, anda harus tega menggebarnya hingga 9000 rpm. Tidak masalah karena ia menggunakan mesin rotary yang memang karakternya di putaran tinggi.pilihlah RX-8 yang blum dimodifikasi, karena terus terang mobil ini paling seksi dalam kondisi standar..

Jaguar XF/Jaguar XF Supercharged Review

As a single finger touches the button on the console, the eye is drawn to motions in the cabin...the instrument cluster lights up...the air conditioning vents in the dashboard rotate into open position and a round knob glides upward from the console where it had previously been flush with the surface.

That's the first five seconds inside the new Jaguar XF. And it's meant to send the message that, nice as it was, the English gentleman's club era is over at Jaguar. No more cars meant to evoke the 50s and 60s (or reruns of Inspector Morse on PBS).

The exterior of the XF (which replaces the S-Type) sends the same message. Leaping cat hood ornament? Gone. Round headlights and driving lights surrounding an upright radiator? History. After being accused of going way too subtle in the redesigns of the XJ and XK, Jaguar's thrown away the rules on this one. There simply never has been a Jaguar that looks like this or that embraced current technology in the cabin the way the XF does.

My first impression was that Jaguar has built their version of a Lexus, but after a second tour in the XF (this time the 420-horsepower Supercharged model), I realize that's not accurate. It's a contemporary luxury sedan that reveals the Jaguar DNA in the driving experience.

Start with the XF in its standard form. 300 horsepower is more than adequate for excellent perofrmance...and economy is enhanced by a 6-speed automatic transmission...EPA estimates 16 city, 25 highway miles per gallon. Our tester had zero options. Zero. 19 inch wheels? Standard. Paddle-shifter? Standard. 320 watt Alpine audio system? Standard. DVD nav system? Standard. And a whole bunch more at a base price of $55,200. With transportation and handling charges, the bottom line was $55,975. And the experience was that of a much more expensive car.

And then there's the Supercharged...adding 120 horsepower to the mix, it's like driving a business jet. Takeoff speeds are attainable and it's only gravity and engineering that keep it from happening. Our tester also had the incredible Bowers & Wilkins Audio system. 14 speakers...with 440 watts of Dolby Pro Logic 7.1 channel surround sound. It's incredible, pure and simple. With Audi charging north of $6,000 for its Bang & Olufsen audio system, I braced myself for the bottom line on the Supercharged.

Are you ready?

$62,000...including the Bowers & Wilkins system.

Either way you go, you can't go wrong...but if $6,000 buys you the step up to the Supercharged, that's a major deal.

The XFR? 40 horsepower and $18,000 more than the Supercharged.

What can you say about that?

Ladies and Gentlemen, Jeremy Clarkson of Top Gear:

Saturn Astra XR Review

Small cars needn't be cheap. Not as in price tag, but as in materials and craftsmanship. Unfortunately, there's a history in this country of domestic automakers not doing their best work on small cars and of foreign automakers "Americanizing" the products they sell here (the low point of which had to have been the 1978 VW Rabbit and its color-keyed "Americans like this stuff" interior).

GM should be applauded for what it's done with the Saturn Astra. It has taken the car known as the Opel Astra in Germany, put it on a boat and shipped it to the States. Period. Yes, that means you actually have to read the owner's manual to find out what the symbols on the controls represent. But it also means that the controls haven't been switched out for cheaper plastics, that the suspension pieces haven't been traded for ones giving a softer ride at the expense of control and that stuff the Europeans get standard can't be made optional.

The Astra is exceptionally well-equipped. The 5-door XR comes with a 1.8 liter 16-valve four cylinder engine and a 5-speed manual, four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, remote keyless entry, tire pressure monitor, a theft deterrent system, air conditioning, cruise control, power windows, power door locks, a seven-speaker AM/FM/CD/mp3 audio system and 16 inch alloy wheels. The 3-door comes with all that, but with 17 inch alloy wheels.

You don't get something for nothing, of course, so the base price is where some of the competition reaches the bottom line...$16,925 for the 5-door and $17,875 for the 3-door. But stop there, with the cars as equipped, and you're about even. Our testers had upgraded sound systems, automatic transmissions and sunroofs added...the 3-door got a leather interior. If it was our money, we'd pass on all that (okay, we might spring the $595 for the Advanced Audio Package).

No, the Astra's not a pavement-burner with that 1.8 liter four...but it's more than adequate...and the EPA says both the 3-door and the 5-door will get 24 miles per gallon in the city and 30 on the highway. And they both feel like they're carved out of solid blocks of steel. German engineering and all that. GM deserves to be rewarded for leaving well enough alone with the Astra. Hopefully, hundreds of thousands of customers will do just that.

Gairah Baru Volvo S80 2.5T

Akhirnya setelah bertahun-tahun tanpa model baru. PT. Indomobil Buana Indoraya selaku ATPM Volvo menghadirkan juga SBO baru ke Indonesia. Masih berselisih dua tahun dengan peluncurannya di pasar internasional. Namun, paling tidak menunjukkan bahwa Volvo masih memiliki gairah untuk bertarungdi pasar premium Indonesia yang tengah rebound.
Secara fisik, penampilan SBO baru ini sengaja dibuat senada dengan pendahulunya. Biar begitu, terlihat lebih membulat, lebih modern, meski sedikit bercita rasa Jepang, Volvo juga memperhalus pinggul besaryang menjadi ciri setiap Volvo modern. Lampu depa lebih sedikit sipit, yang menurut Volvo menyerupai wajah orang tersenyum. Siluet bodi juga dibuat sleek menyerupai coupe, seperti juga yang dilakukan Lexux GS dan Jaguar XF.
Untuk interior, murni brgaya Scandinavia yang terkenal dengan desain minimalisnya. Anda tentu ingat desain Ikea, bukan? Malah terlaluminimalis. Bagian atas dashboard dibuat lurus dengan konsol tengah hadir membentuk aksen huruf T sempurna. Patut dicermati kehadiran konsol tengah mengambang yang juga hadir pada C30 dan S40.
Meneruskan tradisi Volvo-Volvo terdahulu yang dimulai dari 264, 740, 960, hingga S80 interior terlihat mewah dan jok sangat nyaman diduduki. Volvo mengklaimpengemudi dijamin tetap segar walau telah berkendara selama 12jam. Tentu, menarik untuk membuktikan klaim ini dalam tes yang lebih komprehensif.
Mesin juga mengandalkan unit 5 silinder dengan turbo light pressure yang kini hadir dengan kapasitas 2500 cc. dibanding dengan S80 2.5T lama, daya memang defisit 20 dk namun torsinya lebih besar 50 Nm. Inipun dihasilkan mula putaran 1500 hingga 4500 rpm. Ini membuat hantaran tenaga smooth, tidak meledak-ledak seperti umumnya mobil bermesin turbo. Dijamin, membuat anda yang duduk di belakang masih terasa nyaman.
Jelas, butuh tes lebih lanjut untuk menentukan apakahS80 baru ini mempunyai karakter lebih fun. Hasil impresi pengendara singkat disekitar Senayan City, kami mendapati mobil ini lebih mengedepankan unsur kenyamanan ketimbang kesenangan berkendara. Dimana, ayunan suspensi terasa lembut. Sekilas tidak jauh berbeda dengan S80 lama. Agak disayangkan, lagi-lagi fitur sasis sakti Four-C belum tersedia disini.
Dengan harga Rp750 juta on-the-road, S80 baru ini lebih mahal Rp. 51 juta dibanding model lama. Namun, yakinlanlah anda mendapatkan kendaraan dengan value satu tingkat di atas pendahulunya. Fitur pemanja dan gimmick juga di jamin tak kalah dengan pesaing terdekatnya, MerCedes-Benz E-200 Kompressor Classic ataupun BMW 523i.
New S80 sudah dibekali dengan sound system hasil kolaborasi Alpine dengan Bang & Olufsen, fitur safety khas Volvo, hingga personal Car Communicator yang bisa menjadi ‘satpam’ virtual penjagamobil anda. Sungguh fitur yang berguna, terlepas fakta bahwa Volvo bukanlah mobil yang paling diminati pencoleng.

Mercedes-Benz ML 320 BlueTec Review

Noise? No.

Smell? No.

Slow acceleration? No.

Trouble passing emissions? No.

Must not be a diesel, right? Think again. Mercedes-Benz new BlueTec has done what a lot of people said was impossible just a few short years ago...passed tough new emissions testing in all 50 states without substantial and expensive reformulation of diesel fuel.

How clean is it? Well, I stood by the tailpipe of our idling ML320 test car last week and couldn't detect a trace of diesel smell.

Those tough regulations have kept many diesels off the U.S. market for the past few years. A shame, too, since diesels have huge benefits including great fuel economy and long engine life.

If you've avoided diesels like the plague since the dark days of the 1980s, when smell, slug-like 0-60 times and (in the case of GM diesels) questionable reliability were the norm, the ML320 BlueTec would be a perfect introduction to the state of the art. First, there's no waiting for the glow plugs to heat up to start (that one's been gone for a decade or more), neither the inside nor the outside of the ML320 BlueTec smells like a city bus pulling away from a stop, it doesn't clatter like diesels used to and it performs much like a gasoline-powered engine...but with multiples of torque and miles per gallon.

A gasoline-powered ML320 is probably a 16-mile per gallon vehicle in the city. The BlueTec version we tested did 23 and a half. The trip computer showed 550 miles range when we started...and it actually crept close to 600 on the freeway. Yes, diesel fuel costs more than gasoline these days, but the difference in economy tips the scale in the BlueTec's favor.

And then there's longevity. Mercedes' gasoline engines are well-engineered...200,000 miles with proper maintenance should be no sweat. A Mercedes diesel? 400,000 or 500,000 is more like it. And there are million-mile examples out there.

If you're shopping for a luxury mid-size SUV but want clean air, better mileage and a long-term payoff on your investment, the ML320 BlueTec makes a very strong case for itself.

Ford Focus Coupe Review

Just in time for rising gas prices (and tightening consumer credit), Ford has freshened the Focus Coupe.

This is a great time to have a competitive product for under $20,000 (under $18,000 is even better)...and the Focus, decently equipped, can slot in around $17,000. For that, you get a roomy (by subcompact standards) coupe with better-than-decent performance and very good fuel economy. We'd pass on the trick lighting that can make the footwells and the cupholders light up in seven different colors...but we'd definitely keep the SYNC audio system that allows you to hook up your iPod or other digital music device and then control it by voice.

We're still not getting the truly great stuff...the European Focus...but the U.S. version is way better than a lot of reviews from journalists ticked because we don't have the Euro-spec version yet would have you believe.

Ford Mustang Bullitt Review

(Note: This is a 2009 model. Read the review of the new 2010 Mustang GT here.)

If, in 1968, Ford had introduced a car that looked like the 1928 Model A, there would have been more stockholders selling shares than dealers selling cars. But pop culture is a funny thing...and a 40 year flashback can work...as long as it's the right 40 years.

The Ford Mustang Bullitt is a car that trades on two images...one, of a car...and two, of the man who drove it: Steve McQueen.

The 60s were full of cool cars on TV and in the movies, but you don't see Dodge trying to rush a Dodge Dart GTS Mannix edition to market, do you? Steve McQueen was beyond cool (for the record, I like Mike Connors, too).

If you haven't seen the movie Bullitt (is that possible?), buy it. McQueen is Frank Bullitt, a San Francisco cop and it's a good story, but the movie is best known for a 7-minute chase scene featuring McQueen at the wheel of his Highland Green Mustang GT (with decidedly non-stock wheels, blackout grille and a lack of badging) and a couple of murderous thugs with a '68 Dodge Charger.



Despite some continuity errors (the Charger loses six hubcaps and that green VW bug is everywhere), it's widely regarded as one of the best, if not in fact the best movie chase scene ever. See it once and it's burned into your brain.

But even before the big scene, McQueen and the Mustang peg the cool-meter. There's just something that says...yeah, he'd drive that car. And he's so cool, we'd all like to have it rub off on us.

Ford tried a Bullitt edition a few years ago, before Mustang's re-design...and it didn't really work. But now that Mustang looks like a Mustang again, the effect is dead-on. It's achieved by taking a Mustang GT Premium coupe (base price $27,020) and adding the Bullitt Package (interior revisions including a 60s-era Ford font on the gauges, 3.73 limited slip axle, 18" wheels that look like the movie car's mags, and packed exhaust tips for $3,310).

In reality, you get a better car than McQueen drove. This one's faster, can actually go in directions other than a straight line, and comes with the killer Shaker 500 audio system, including AM/FM and an mp3 capable 6-disc CD changer. Our tester also had Sirius Satellite radio. Steve was stuck with just AM (though KFRC and KSFO in 1968 weren't exactly punishment).

And you'll get way better mileage, even if you drive it like Steve...the EPA says 15 city, 23 highway. All for a price of $34,705 as tested. So, go buy the movie and then go test drive one of these...and then tell me with a straight face you're not at least tempted.

                                                                        
Wake up your Stang's inner beast with a Mustang cowl hood from your aftermarket Mustang authority, AmericanMuscle.com!

Toyota Prius Review

Once strange, the shape of the second-generation Toyota Prius hybrid is now instantly familiar...the Beetle of the new milennium. Given how many have been sold and are on the street, it's hard to remember that Toyota was taking a big chance a few years ago with a radical design. In fact, they were. In 2004, they sold 54,000 of them. Last year, it was 181,000...with 190,000 expected to leave dealer lots in calendar 2008.

Sales figures aren't the only thing that has grown on the Prius...so have sales prices. The 2004 model was a loss leader at $20,000 base...and most buyers kept it simple. The Prius we drove recently started at $23,770 and got the $5,925 Touring package. That's leather-trimmed seats and steering wheel, voice activated DVD GPS navigation, a 9-speaker JBL audio system with AM, FM and a 6-CD changer with mp3 and WMA capability, satellite radio capability (though not an actual XM subscription), Bluetooth hands-free phone capability (again, it's prep, not the actual system), vehicle stability control, backup camera and more.

Bottom line: (insert drum roll here): $30,554. Now, that was helped by an Extra Value Package discount of $1,750...dropping the final price to $28,804, but there's still an element of sticker shock in knowing that this car can now break 30 grand.

Beyond that, it's the same as it ever was...roomy beyond its exterior dimensions, extremely safe (four-star frontal, rollover and rear seat side crash ratings, five stars for front-seat side crashes), and very economical. The EPA's new methodology for estimating fuel economy gets the Prius down from its original pie-in-the-sky 60 MPG to a much more achievable 48 city/45 highway.

If you like this Prius, now's the time to buy. The third-generation arrives sometime next year as a 2010 model. Early photos suggest it will look the same, but different...and price creep is inevitable.

LEBIH AGRESIF DAN SANGAR (Chevrolet New Aveo)

LEBIH AGRESIF DAN SANGAR

(Chevrolet New Aveo)

Jangan pernah meremehkan Chevrolet. Merek global dibawah naungan grup General Motors ini akan segera memberikan kejutan di 2008.

Kejutan ini berupa diluncurkannya New Aveo pada Juni 2008. sebagai gambaran, mobil ini akan diposisikan untuk berhadapan dengan Honda Jazz baru yang keluar nyaris bersamaan.

Kerja keras GM Autoworld Indonesia ini ditujukan untuk mengangkat kembali penjualan Aveo generasi sebelumnya yang sempat terpuruk. Aveo baru ini dating bukan hanya sebagai produk regional asia, melainkan sebagai hatchback yang diproduksi secara global. Tak heran kalau penampilan perdananya dilakukan di Frankfurt Moor Show, September 2007. di Korea Aveo hadir dengan nama Gentra X, sementara di Indonesia tetap menggunakan nama Aveo.

Tidak tanggung-tanggung PT GM Indonesia sedang mempelajari 2 pilihan yang akan digunakan New Aveo. Kedua mesin menggunakan teknologi S-TEC II dengan 16 katup. Dari pilihan yang ada, sepertinya PT GM Indonesia cenderung memilih mesin berkapasitas 1.200 cc yang mampu menelurkan tenaga 86 dk pada 6.300 rpm. Torsi maksimumnya mencapai 112,8 Nm di 4.200 rpm. Jadi bisa dikatakan mesin ini mampu memberikan performa nyaris setara mesin lama berkapasitas 1.498 cc.

Sementara itu pilihan mesin 1.400 cc dengan tenaga 98 dk juga turut dipertimbangkan. Varian yang tersedia menggunakan tranmisi manual maupun otomatis harga yang diprediksi berada di bawah Rp. 140 juta.

SPESIFIKASI TEKNIS
Mesin :	1200 cc 4 silinder, 1400 cc 4 silinder
Tenaga Maksimum :	86 dk/ 6300 rpm (1.2), 98 dk/ 6000 rpm (1.5)
Torsi Maksimum :	113 Nm/ 4200 rpm (1.2)
Tranmisi :	Manual 5 speed - Matik 4- speed
0-100 km/jam :	N/A
Top speed :	N/A
Konsumsi BBM :	N/A
Bobot :	N/A
Dimensi (P/L/T) :	N/A
Kapasitas bagasi :	N/A
Harga :	Dibawah Rp. 140Juta
Status :	Confirmed
Dipasarkan :	Juni 2008

Improvisasi nada jazz dari Honda

Improvisasi nada jazz dari Honda

Mari dengarkan nada-nada jazz ini. Iramanya bagaikan improvisasi indah yang dilakukan oleh Honda. Mereka pun yakin Jazz baru mampu kembali menjadi penguasa Compact Hatchback. Dan kini kami sajikan hasil tes Honda Fit yang notabene sama dengan Jazz, di negeri asalnya.

Tugas Jazz baru ini tidak ringan, karena pendahulunya merupakan salah satu line-up Honda paling sukses. Hanya dalam 6 tahun, Jazz/Fit generasi pertama terjual lebih dari 2 juta unit di 115 negara.

Itu sebabnya Honda lebih cenderung bermain aman dengan desain barunya. Moncong Jazz baru ini sesuai ciri baru keluarga Honda seperti tampak pada Accord terbaru di Frankfurt Motor Show.

Sasis Jazz mengalami penyempurnaan, namun Honda jga mempertahankan beberapa kelebihan generasi terdahulu. Antara lain tangki bensin di tengah sasis yang membuat interiornya tetap lapang.

Janji Honda lainnya adalah pengendaraan yang lebih baik, terutama karena dimensi yang lebih besar. Wheelbase-nya lebih panjang 50 mm menjadi 2500 mm, sementara panjang totalnya naik 55 mm ke angka 3900 mm. kaca depan digeser maju membuat wajah Jazz sedikit berubah, tapi kabinnya justru semakin lapang. Selain itu, kaca segitiga di depan pintu diperbesar untuk meminimalkan blind spot.

Finishing kabin kini lebih halus, dengan kualitas komponen plastic lebih baik dan jok suportif. Setir dilengkapi penyetelan reach dan rake sehingga posisi pengemudi ideal mudah diperoleh. Dasbor barunya juga lebih enak dilihat, sementara kabin belakanglebih lapang berkat legroom yang lebih panjang 40 mm.

Untuk versi Jepang, Honda mengganti ban serep dengan repair kit. Sehingga volume bagasi naik 43 liter menjadi 427 liter. Tapi untuk versi Indonesia, tampaknya Jazz tetap dilengkapi ban serep.

Jika Jazz/Fit generasi pertama memiliki pilihan mesin i-DSI dan VTEC, dengan dua kapasitas berbeda. Pertama 1300 cc bertenaga 99 dk, dan 1500 cc, 118 dk dengan tranmisimanual dan CVT. Menurut klaim Honda, unit 1300 cc mampu menghasilkan konsumsi BBM 23,9 km/l, sementara mesin 1500 cc mencapai 19,4 km/l. performa mesin 1500 cc baru ini juga impresif, mampu berakselerasi 0-96 km/jam di bawah 9 detik. Namun jeritannya diputaran tinggi kurang nyaman di telinga, dan tranmisi CVT-nya agak kewalahan meladeni tenaga mesin.

Honda baru lebih setabil di jalan berliku, begitu pula saat pengereman. Dan pada kecepatan jelajah Jazz terasa lebih halus. Satu-satunya catatan adalah kemudinya.power steering elektronik dan steering rack baru meringankan tugas pengemudi saat maneuver di jalan sempit. Tapi membuat kemudi jadi terlalu ringan dan kurang feedback.

Jika melihat hasil tes ini, bisa dilihat kalau Honda berhasil memainkan nada Jazz-nya dengan baik. Dan bukan mustahil generasi baru ini mampu mengulangi kesuksesan Jazz lama.

SPESIFIKASI TEKNIS
Mesin :	1496 cc 4 silinder
Tenaga Maksimum :	118 dk/ 6600 rpm
Torsi Maksimum :	145 Nm/ 4800 rpm
Tranmisi :	Manual 5 speed Matik 7- speed CVT
0-100 km/jam :	9 detik
Top speed :	N/A
Konsumsi BBM :	19,4 km/l (klaim)
Bobot :	1.080 kg
Dimensi (P/L/T) :	3.920/1.695/1.525 mm
Kapasitas bagasi :	427 liter
Harga :	Rp. 140-180 Juta (estimasi)
Status :	Confirmed
Dipasarkan :	Juli 2008