SHOP UBB

Mariner: The Practical Hybrid

The Mercury Mariner compact SUV was introduced in 2005. Its components are closely related to the Ford Escape except from being offered with only an automatic transmission. Mariner differed mostly in aesthetic appeal and comfort.

In 2006 the Mariner Hybrid was released. “It is a “full” hybrid electric system, meaning the system can switch automatically between pure electric power, pure gasoline engine power, or a combination of electric battery and gasoline engine operating together.”

The first 2008 Mercury Mariner was unveiled at the South Florida International Auto Show on October 6, 2006. It is a 4-door, 5-passenger sport-utility, available in two trims, the 4X2 and the 4X4. It comes in bold styling.

“The 4X2 is equipped with a standard 2.3-liter, I4, 133-horsepower, hybrid engine that achieves 34-mpg in the city and 30-mpg on the highway. The 4X4 is equipped with a standard 2.3-liter, I4, 133-horsepower, hybrid engine that achieves 29-mpg in the city and 27-mpg on the highway. A variable speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard on both trims.” Reviewers describe it as at best performer with a competitive class.

Reviewers say that the upgrade gave this SUV a more aggressive presence. The new grille that’s larger, with bigger openings between the bars is one of the striking features of its exterior.

“Every surface was changed to make the vehicle look more substantial than the previous model,” These are some exterior auto parts options available; moon roof, side step bars and a roof rack.

Impressive interior features are evident in the Mercury Mariner’s five-passenger cabin. It has Satin Pewter finishes and chrome accents which give it a classier look. Many reviewers noticed its spacious seating and stylish use of materials and color treatments. The seats are monochromatic or two-tone with Alcantara ® Suede inserts.

It also features a four-speaker AM/FM/CD stereo with an auxiliary MP3 jack, full power accessories, keyless entry, and tinted privacy glass. Designers have added lots of interior storage, it is now 27.8 cubic feet, fairly typical for this class of vehicle, and a respectable 66 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

Safety features include; front and side airbags for the front seats, and side-curtain airbags that cover both rows, as well as AdvanceTrac (stability control) with anti-rollover technology. It has performed well in government crash tests, leading to an excellent score for safety.

The 2008 Mercury Mariner Hybrid has been a practical version of a small SUV.

Mariner: The Practical Hybrid / Author: Anthony Fontanelle

• Comments Off

Ford Escape with a Hybrid Engine

The Ford Escape is a compact SUV by Ford Motor Company. The first generation Ford Escape made its debut in 2001 as a small sports utility vehicle.

A hybrid version of the Escape was released in 2004, making it the first hybrid SUV.

For the year 2008, the Ford Escape Hybrid has been redesigned with a more aggressive look. The 2008 Escape Hybrid is a 4-door, 5-passenger sport-utility, available in two trims, the FWD and the 4WD. It has its all-new exterior and interior features, along with suspension refinements to improve the ride but retaining its traditional SUV style.

“The FWD is equipped with a standard 2.3-liter, I4, 133-horsepower, hybrid engine that achieves 34-mpg in the city and 30-mpg on the highway. The 4WD is equipped with a standard 2.3-liter, I4, 133-horsepower, hybrid engine that achieves 29-mpg in the city and 27-mpg on the highway. A variable speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard on both trims.” Speaking of fuel economy, the 2008 Escape is one of the first vehicles to reflect the new EPA test procedures. Ford also assures us that the improved aerodynamics achieves better fuel economy.

The exterior can be described as muscular. The new Escape looks bigger than the model it replaces, but actually it’s the same size, having the same wheelbase and exterior dimensions. Edmunds.com notes that the new Ford-edge headlights, made the new Escape “a handsome little rig”.

These are the exterior auto parts that completes the new Escape; higher waistline, revised grille and headlamps, taller hood and larger mirrors.

It also made significant improvements in its interior comfort and quality. It showcases the first U.S. automotive application of seating surfaces made entirely from 100 percent recycled materials. “The entire vehicle is about 85% recyclable.” But these fabrics are attractive and expected to be very durable. It has a white-faced speedometer and tachometer back lit with blue lighting that’s easier to read, so it is extremely easy for the eyes at night.

There’s plenty of space to load their stuff, there’s 66 cubic feet with the second row folded and 27.8 cubic feet with all seats up.

“Standard safety features on the 2008 Escape Hybrid include front and side airbags for the front seats and side-curtain airbags that cover rows, four-wheel disc brakes w/ABS and tire pressure monitoring.” In government crash test ratings, the 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid receives three out of five stars for driver protection.

The price averages at about $30,000, making sure that the Escape remains a competitive small sport-utility vehicle.

Ford Escape with a Hybrid Engine / Author: Anthony Fontanelle

• Comments Off

Camry: Goes Hybrid

Toyota Camry has been the best selling car in America for several years. This sedan debuted for the 1983 model year replacing the rear-wheel-drive Corona

There have been several redesigns and revisions over the years. The Toyota Camry Hybrid is a hybrid version of the Camry sedan. It is a 4 door, 5 passenger family sedan, available in one trim only, the 4 Door Sedan. It is a new addition to the Camry lineup which has good quality and reliability with increased fuel efficiency.

“The Camry Hybrid is equipped with a standard 2.4 liter, I4, 192 horsepower, hybrid engine that achieves 33 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway. A variable speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard.” Reviewers state that the Camry Hybrid is a good performer and one of the most fuel-efficient mid-size vehicles around. The driving experience in the Camry Hybrid is as excellent as a normal sedan. ‘Most of the time you can quite simply forget that you’re driving a hybrid’

In terms of exterior design the Camry Hybrid does not stand out, unlike the Prius. Its physical appeal is similar to a conventional Camry’s outfit.

The Camry has a moon roof which is something unavailable on the Prius. It also has a side glass that arcs inward as it rises, suggesting a canopy.

2008 Camry Hybrid is a comfortable vehicle that’s packed with all new auto body parts.

The driving position is excellent. Even with the optional navigation system, remarkably few buttons are needed to operate this complex machine. Riding this car gives a feeling of comfort with the windshield and dashboard pushed forward and out of your face.

Interior features include: an audio control surrounded by a beautiful translucent blue trim; a JBL audio system, a leather-trimmed steering wheel and shift knob, an electro-chromic rearview mirror, and a garage door opener.

The 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid does very well in government crash tests. According to usnews.rankingsandreviews.com, the 2008 Camry Hybrid earned five out of five stars for both frontal and side impact tests.

“The new Camry Hybrid has traction control, vehicle stability control, anti-lock brakes with brake assist and electronic brake force distribution, as well as a tire-pressure monitor.” The Camry also crumple zones that are designed to absorb collision impact. It also has all kind of airbag that exists in all conventional sedans.

“The 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid ranks 2 out of 25 Affordable Midsize Cars.”

Camry: Goes Hybrid / Author: Anthony Fontanelle

Toyota Camry

• Comments Off

S40: Changed for the Better

The Volvo S40 is a compact executive cars produced by Volvo. It debuted at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2003.

The S40 was refreshed for 2008. This new release continues to enhance Volvo’s reputation as a maker of superb sports sedans. It is a 4-door, 5-passenger sports sedan, available in 3 trims, ranging from the 2.4i to the T5 AWD. It features a revised interior and exterior, plus some high-tech features.

“The 2.4i is equipped with a standard 2.4-liter, I5, 168-horsepower engine that achieves 20-mpg in the city and 28-mpg on the highway. A 5-speed manual transmission with overdrive is standard, and a 5-speed automatic transmission is optional. The T5 AWD is equipped with a standard 2.5-liter, I5, 227-horsepower, turbo engine that achieves 18-mpg in the city and 26-mpg on the highway. A 5-speed automatic transmission is standard.”

Exterior auto parts changes for the new Volvo S40 is only to make a better version of an already good-looking car. Reviewers state that the new exterior design is one of main reasons for the car to have high points on reviews.

It features a new black egg-crate grille with its larger Volvo iron mark. It also got a new headlamp; even the fog lamps now have a new design, identical for both car models. The brake lights are now of LED type. It also has front and rear spoilers and side sills, a modest rear wing, and more.

For its size, this compact sedan is accommodating and comfortable. The S40’s seats get mostly positive reviews. They are comfortable and supportive, and they offer a very good seating position. New design details in the instrument panel and air vents also contribute to the interior refinement. A new ‘Nordic Light Oak’ optional trim brightens the interior. It has an AM/FM CD player with four speakers. Bluetooth is optional for all trims.

Volvo’s safety features also get good reviews. According to usnews.rankingsandreviews.com “In government crash tests, the 2008 S40 earned four out of five stars for driver protection in front crashes, and five out of five stars for front passenger protection.”

Some safety features include: hazard warning flashers which activates in order to warn other motorists of a sudden problem and encourage them to reduce speed; brake lamps that flashed five times per second to immediately warn motorists behind in case of a sudden brake; and it also has a standard tire pressure monitoring system.

The 2008 Volvo S40 has undergone a number of changes and it’s good to know that they’re for the better.

S40: Changed for the Better / Author: Anthony Fontanelle

• Comments Off

OnStar Obtained Honors Tt Telematics Update Awards

General Motor’ OnStar stood out among the pact of outstanding groups in the industry. OnStar won the “Best Embedded Telematics Navigation Product Award” at recently held 2008 Detroit Telematics Awards event.

The Awards were reviewed by independent business specialists and are open to all automotive groups in the industry and mobile telematics eco-system that expand and endow with convincing products, content and services.

According to the  Auto Channel, OnStar achieved the Best Embedded Product award for their Turn-by-Turn Navigation system. This arrangement is one of its kind and accessible navigation services which makes use of an improved GPS system considered as one of the vital auto body parts that directs drivers to their destination and by design helps motorists recover the track if they make a wrong turn or get lost off the trail. Since the launch of OnStar Turn-by Turn in 1996, more than 4.7 million Turn-by-Turn Navigation routes have been delivered to subscribers nationwide.

When drivers press the blue OnStar button, a guide appears then informs a live advisor of their respective destination. Instructions and precise directions are then sent to the vehicle and the specially-designed automated voice-guided directions are played in the vehicle as required turn-by-turn.

“It is an honor to receive this recognition for our services. We strive to use research, technology and strategic relationships to provide our subscribers with the most innovative telematics technology on the market today,” says Nick Pudar, OnStar vice president, planning and business development.

OnStar’s industry control has been exhibited with both individual and company-wide awards over the Telematics Update Awards’ six-year history, Here are the past honors garnered by General Motors OnStar:

Best Telematics Navigation Product – 2006, 2007
Best Use of Telematics Technology for Safety, 2007
Best Embedded Telematics Service Award, 2007
People’s Choice of the Best Telematics Company, 2007
Best use of Telematics for Automotive Safety and Security – 2005, 2006
Best Embedded/Terminal Product – 2005
Best Reseller/Retailer – 2005
Leadership Award - 2003, 2004 – including the 2004 Leadership Award for OnStar President, Chet Huber
Telematics in Action Award - 2003, 2004
Heroes Award Nominees - Telematics Service Provider Employee – 2003

Notes: OnStar is a wholly-owned secondary unit of General Motors. It is the number one provider of in-vehicle safety, security and communication services and auto body parts. OnStar is offered on over 50 MY 2008 GM models. OnStar is standard for one year on almost all new GM retail vehicles in the United States and Canada.

OnStar Obtained Honors Tt Telematics Update Awards / Author: Anthony Fontanelle

• Comments Off