2014 Archives - KeriBlog

The 2014 Honda Fit

Feb 27 2014

2014 Honda Fit

A 1.5 L engine, outputting 117 hp and 106 lb.ft of torque, with a claimed fuel economy of 6.3 L/100km. Available in manual.

This is the Sport trim (DX, LX, Sport)

Starting at $14,635
This one $18,995

Best of available options includes: a leather steering wheel with controls, Handsfree Bluetooth phone connectivity, Cruise Control, connect an audio device via USB, and the sportier exterior styling riding on 16″ alloy wheels.

Sporty looking little guy eh. It’s a little grille, but it’s aggressive.

It was a fun car to throw around the city. Steering and handling are responsive, accelerates with pep. I had the manual transmission though, which any subcompact performs best with.

Competition: Ford Fiesta, Kia Rio, Hyundai Accent, Chevy Spark, Nissan Versa Note, Toyota Yaris

Here’s where the Fit outshines them: the rear seat.

See how flat the floor is, and how the seat folds right up 60/40?

That’s Honda’s exclusive “Magic Seat”. Creates a massive empty space; the total cargo area rivals that of some small crossovers.

It’s an ergonomic, functional interior; nice big buttons and knobs, a double glovebox.

Interesting, this 2014 model year Fit is built completely in China, a rarity. I’m not convinced you’d notice, if you didn’t know. As for how it holds up though, time. The 2015 Fit will be built in Mexico.

The All-new 2014 Fiat 500L

Aug 17 2013

Fiat has introduced a brand-new car to their lineup of two. Two! Smallest fleet ever eh. I like it; instead of a ton of so-so cars, they do 2 well.

One engine, one style, but endless customization options. Even dash options.

Or this.

If this is your look, re-invented retro and vintage, this is worth test-driving.

The L stands for Loft, not long, because of the huge headroom height inside the cabin. It’s spacious, and would transport 4 adults comfortably. And the seats configure 3 different ways; excellent cargo area.

The 1.4L engine is a Turbo, with plenty of torque, 184 lb.ft, and when coupled with the 160 hp, some sporty handling and responsive steering. It’s fun to drive while still being functional. Get it in manual.

This review made it up to the Sun; doesn’t always happen.

Read it online at Autonet.ca.

Driving a Fiat, awkwardly.

Photo by Jeremy Sinek, my driving partner down in Baltimore. This one, too.

Read about that trip here.

In Oregon with the 2014 Acura MDX

Jun 11 2013

I travelled with Acura to Portland, Oregon, to test their heavily-refreshed MDX 7-passenger SUV.

It’s an important vehicle launch for them, the MDX accounts for 1/3 of Acura’s total sales.

So the vehicle was re-built from scratch; new chassis and body, designed specifically for this SUV (non-car nerds: this is rare).

Read the full review over at Autonet.ca.

Short review – an excellent refresh; if a 7-passenger 3rd row vehicle is important, test this MDX, it’ll make the shortlist.

The interior ergonomics were updated, it used to be “a bit like climbing back into 1999”.

Breathes better, eh.

The new model is only the tiniest bit bigger, but the interior feels bigger, more open.

Steering is improved; engine provides more than enough power for a fun drive; it’s really quiet inside; all seats now fold flat for loading cargo; a secret storage compartment; the base model is loaded up nicely; great safety features come standard; 6 cameras; and for winter, you can pre-condition the car remotely, a just-for-Canada added feature.