Live from the Floor of the New York International Auto Show w. Brian Moody, Autotrader

The New York International Auto Show showcases the latest in the world of automotive. From the newest models to special editions, vehicles with the latest in safety and technology and even a sneak peek of what cars of the future will look like!

Executive Editor at Autotrader, Brian Moody gives an exclusive look at what you’ll find at this year’s show.




About Brian Moody, Executive Editor, Autotrader.com
Brian Moody is Executive Editor for Autotrader.com, delivering timely, straightforward, unbiased automotive information to the site’s 17.7 million in-market shoppers. Brian manages all of Autotrader’s editorial content, including new and used car reviews, comprehensive auto show coverage, video reviews and car shopping tips and daily automotive news stories.

Brian has been an automotive journalist for more than 15 years, reporting for local and national radio, television, print, and online outlets. Brian has contributed to such notable outlets as AOL Autos, Edmunds.com, Huffington Post, KHTK, KTLA, The Drive Radio Show, SPEED TV, Tech TV, and several Los Angeles area community newspapers before being named Executive Editor for Autotrader in 2011.

I want to thank KIA, for this interview opportunity! I also want to thank Brian Moody for taking out the time to share his automotive knowledge.

Please click the "Join this site" button on the right hand side, subscribe, and check out my other posts!

Like The Green Light on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theglight?ref=hl

Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/AntonioJakes

Pin us on Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/theglight/

Interview: Adam Carolla Previews Chicago Auto Show Car Trends for 2019

With the start of a new year comes trend forecasting for the year ahead and we be spoke with car racing enthusiast, comedian and podcaster, Adam Carolla, about this year’s upcoming car trends, and his love for car racing. Adam was recently featured in a new video short from motor oil maker, Castrol EDGE, as part of their “Live on the Edge” series, which shares the stories of people from around the world who have seized the opportunity to live an exhilarating life.
Listen to our interview below:

https://sites.google.com/site/theglightmp3/chicago-auto-show-car-trends-for-2019

About Adam Carolla
Adam Carolla is best known as a comedian, actor, radio personality, television host and NY Times best-selling author. He began his career on the nationally syndicated radio and television program Loveline with Dr. Drew Pinsky. Adam was also a co-creator and co-star in two hit Comedy Central shows, The Man Show and Crank Yankers. He currently hosts The Adam Carolla Show, which holds the Guinness Book of World Records for “most downloaded podcast."

I want to thank Castrol EDGE, for this interview opportunity! I also want to thank Adam Carolla for taking out the time to share his automotive knowledge.

Please click the "Join this site" button on the right hand side, subscribe, and check out my other posts!

Like The Green Light on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theglight?ref=hl

Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/AntonioJakes

Pin us on Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/theglight/

Stoner Car Care Ultimate Car Care Kit Review

Keeping your car clean is very important to many automotive enthusiasts. Back in May, I traded in my 2012 Nissan Juke and purchased a 2016 Nissan Maxima. I have to admit that I rarely had the outside of my Juke cleaned in the three and a half years that I owned that vehicle. I promised myself that I would treat my Maxima with more love and care. Stoner Car Care reached out and asked if I would be interested in testing out their products - the answer was YES!

Stoner Car Care was kind enough to send me the Ultimate Car Care Kit, including Visible Shine Synthetic Sealant, Washer Fluid Additive, Water Spot Remover, and Invisible Glass Clean & Repel. The kit also includes Invisible Glass, Trim Shine, More Shine, Tarminator, Speed Bead, Gust 360, Carpet Cleaner, and Trim Cleaner. The Ultimate Car Care Kit has everything you could ask for when it comes to keeping your vehicle clean. I've been using the Ultimate Car Care Kit for the past two months and this is one of the best car kits on the market. The products are simple and easy to use without feeling overwhelming.

The first product that I used was the Washer Fluid Additive. All you need to do is add some solution to your washer fluid container - simple. Having a windshield that I can see out of clearly is really important to me. The Washer Fluid Additive works well and does boost the washer fluid. My front mirror stays clean and for the most past streak-free.

My tires never stay clean for long but I needed to check out the More Shine product, which provides a long-lasting coat that is sure to make your tires shine. I can report that this product definitely delivers. I noticed when using this product that I had to apply another coat on my tires to truly give them that shine. The use of this product may all depend on the specific tires that your vehicle has.

While keeping your car cleaned on the outside is important, I think that having the inside of your vehicle cleaned is even more important. I have a big problem with stepping into a vehicle that is not well maintained. On the inside of my car, I used Trim Shine and Gust 360. Both products worked really well and were simple to use. Gust 360 gets all of the dust and small particles out every space of crevice. Trim Shine, adds gloss to the interior trim of your vehicle. When using Trim Shine be sure to keep your windows down and use it in a well-ventilated area. I found there to be a smell when using the product that was a bit strong for me. I haven't had the opportunity to use the carpet cleaner or Trim Cleaner yet on the interior of my car. There is no eating and drinking in my car so I don't have to worry about spills and stains.

The Ultimate Car Care Kit from Stoner Car Care is a fantastic product and every automotive enthusiast should know about it. With the holidays quickly approaching the Ultimate Car Care Kit would be the perfect gift for the automotive enthusiast that you know. The Ultimate Car Care Kit is extremely simple to use and one of the easiest ways to detail a vehicle. I really want to thank Stoner Car Care for being kind enough to send me the Ultimate Car Care Kit! I was really impressed with the products and I will continue to use them. I didn't want to use the product one time and recommend this product. I wanted to use the products for a few months before I gave a review. I will continue to use Stone Car Care's product and keep you posted on the products that I haven't used yet.

Purchase Stone Car Care's Ultimate Car Care Kit here: http://www.stonercarcare.com/Products/kits/completecarcarekit

Please click the "Join this site" button on the right-hand side, subscribe, and check out my other posts!

Like The Green Light on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theglight?ref=hl

Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/AntonioJakes

Add us to your circles on Google +: https://plus.google.com/u/0/115485014129103356664/posts

Pin us on Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/theglight/

First Drive: 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid & Plug-In Hybrid

I have to start off by saying that I really enjoyed the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid! I had the opportunity to drive the 2016 Sonata Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid on the roads of beautiful Southern California. The Sonata Hybrid is offered in SE, Limited and Limited Ultimate trims. The Plug-in offers Base and Limited versions. The Sonata Hybrid Plug-in has an all-electric top speed of 75 mph and an EV range of approximately 24 miles.

Exterior
The seventh generation Sonata receives a series of functional changes to the front and rear fascia for the 2016 Hybrid. The exterior changes allow the Sonata Hybrid to achieve a coefficient of drag to 0.24. The only other vehicle in its class that has a 0.24 coefficient of drag is the Tesla Model S. The Hybrid receives a unique larger grille, front and rear bumpers, front fenders, front and rear lights, chrome side sill moldings, Hybrid badging, and new eco-spoke allow wheels.

Interior
The interior of the Sonata Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid is not as stylish as the exterior. Once inside of the vehicles I was able to find a comfortable seating position. The center stack has a clean design and everything is within reach from the driver's seat. The cabin features quality materials, and soft-touch surfaces, which is always a plus. The infotainment system is not complicated and easy to use. The Sonata Hybrid offers best-in-class cargo volume at 13.3 cu-ft. 60/40 split-folding rear seats are available thanks to the battery pack fitting under the truck floor.

Tech
There is no shortage of technology in the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid. Now available is Hyundai's hands-free smart trunk, electronic parking brake, driver memory seat, rear window sunshades, heated steering wheel, LED interior lights, ventilated front seats, power front seats with 4-way adjustable driver lumbar and smart cruise control. Two of my favorite features are the ventilated front seats and the smart cruise control. While driving the Plug-in Hybrid, I set the smart cruise control system and was extremely impressed for the 30-mile drive. This was my first time using this type of feature in a vehicle and now I wish my current car had it.

Safety
The 2016 model comes standard with seven airbags, including a new driver's, knew airbag. Also standard is Electronic Stability Control, Vehicle Stability Management, Traction Control, ABS, Tire Pressure Monitoring System, and a backup camera. Buyers can also get advanced safety technologies such as Forward Collision Warning, Blind Spot Detection with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Change Assist and Lane Departure Warning System.

Charging (Plug-in Hybrid)
120-volt (Level 1): < 9 hours
240-volt (Level 2): < 3 hours

Under the Hood
The Hybrid is powered by a 2.0L Nu GDI 4-cylinder engine paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Hyundai wanted a nature feeling transmission, so a CVT wasn't an option. The 2.0L engine produces 154 hp and 140 lb-ft of torque. The electric motor produces 51 hp (38kW) for a combined output of 193 hp. The Plug-in Hybrid uses the same 2.0L engine, but a stronger electric motor that produces 67 hp. The combined output for the Plug-in Hybrid is 202 hp.

Behind the Wheel
The first thing I did once I got in the Sonata Hybrid, I opened the panoramic sunroof. Once on the road, I was able to fully enjoy both models. Visibility out of the Sonata is quite good and the blind-spot system helped me out when I couldn't see vehicles on the side of me. The steering in the Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid was surprisingly good and I really didn't have any complaints about how the vehicles handled.  I was really impressed with how comfortable and smooth the ride in the Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid is. The performance was not the goal of the Sonata Hybrids, which are tuned for luxury. While on the highway, the cabin remains quiet with very little wind noise. While the Sonata Hybrid and Plug-in are not sport sedans, acceleration was smooth and refined. After driving the Hybrid for about 30 miles, I was able to achieve 35 mpg out of the Hybrid (while in Sport mode for the majority of the time). In the Plug-in, I was able to achieve 43 mpg while using Smart Cruise Control and going 75 mph.

Overall
My time spent in the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid was exciting and enjoyable. I like the Sonata Hybrid mainly because While my time in both vehicles were brief, I got a good sense of what Hyundai was looking to achieve. After driving both vehicles, I think that Hyundai has done a great job with the Sonata Hybrid siblings. Information on pricing is not available right now, but we will let you know once that information is released. The Sonata Hybrid goes on sale this summer nationwide, while the Plug-in Hybrid hits showrooms in California and Oregon this fall. The Plug-in will show up in other zero-emission vehicle states after. I look forward to getting the opportunity to spend more time in the Sonata Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid.

Disclaimer: Hyundai Motor America  provided The Green Light with hotel and travel accommodations to attend the media event.

Please click the "Join this site" button on the right hand side, subscribe, and check out my other posts!

Like The Green Light on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theglight?ref=hl

Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/AntonioJakes

Add us to your circles on Google +: https://plus.google.com/u/0/115485014129103356664/posts

Pin us on Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/theglight/

Nissan Juke Playlist

I cannot drive anywhere in my Nissan Juke without listening to music. As soon as I get in my car, I unlock my phone, open Google Music and hit the play button. Aside from being a car enthusiast, I LOVE listening to music!!! I'm happy and glad that I haven't blown out my Juke's speakers (knock on wood!).

Check out these ten songs you should add to your car's playlist this week:

1. 'Set Me Free"- Leela James

2. "Uptown Funk"- Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars

3. "Money ($*/...)"- Mariah Carey ft. Fabolous

4. "Temperature's Rising" - Raheem DeVaughn

5. "Make Love" - Faith Evans ft. Keke Wyatt

6. "Sugar.Honey.Ice.Tea" - Charlie Wilson

7. "Shook Up" - Case

8. "My Love" - Goapele ft. Eric Benet

9. "Mary Jane Remix" - Joe ft. 50 Cent

10. "The Truth" -  Ledisi

What songs are you playing while you drive?

Please click the "Join this site" button on the right hand side, subscribe, and check out my other posts!

Like The Green Light on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theglight?ref=hl

Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/AntonioJakes

Add us to your circles on Google +: https://plus.google.com/u/0/115485014129103356664/posts

Pin us on Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/theglight/

Interview: The Top Ten Most Affordable Cars Equipped with Active Safety Technologies

Check out my interview with Joe DeMatio, Deputy Editor, Automobile Magazine and James Bell, Head of Consumer Affairs for General Motors as they discuss new safety technologies, how they work and the top most affordable cars equipped with these technologies.

About the talent:
Joe DeMatio joined Automobile Magazine, America's premier automotive enthusiast lifestyle magazine, shortly after graduating from the University of Michigan. He's held nearly every writing and editing position at the magazine and now serves as deputy editor. Joe has also appeared as a guest on many top news outlets such as CNN, Fox Business and CNBC as well as on radio and TV stations all over the country. When he's not arranging photo shoots, editing copy, or racking up speeding tickets in sports cars and high-powered luxury sedans, he cares for his three German Shepherds, hosts lavish dinner parties, and occasionally runs a half-marathon.

With over 16 years of experience, James Bell is a nationally recognized and authoritative resource within the automotive industry. During his tenure, James has diligently analyzed and effectively communicated automotive data and research to multiple constituencies, including the national and international media, automotive manufacturers, dealers, and the every-day shopper. His multifaceted experience has led to a unique perspective on the industry that easily crosses over the boundaries between the general consumer and passionate enthusiast.

Check out the interview below:



I want to thank General Motors for this interview opportunity! I also want to thank Joe DeMatio and James Bell for taking out the time to discuss and answer my questions.

Please click the "Join this site" button on the right hand side, subscribe, and check out my other posts!

Like The Green Light on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theglight?ref=hl

Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/AntonioJakes

Add us to your circles on Google +: https://plus.google.com/u/0/115485014129103356664/posts

Pin us on Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/theglight/

Review: 2012 Nissan LEAF SV

The Nissan LEAF is the first all-electric mass produced car. The LEAF was introduced back in 2010 and just recently celebrated its 2nd birthday. Since its release Nissan has sold more than 46,000 LEAFs. I was really excited to get the keys to the LEAF because it was going to be my first time in an electric vehicle. The Nissan LEAF competes against the Chevy Volt and Mitsubishi i-MiEV. There are two LEAF models to choose from, the SV and the SL. My tester was the LEAF SV that came in at $36,220.

Exterior
The Nissan LEAF has been called ugly, hideous, and unattractive but I have to say I love the look of the LEAF. I do not have a problem with quirky designed cars (I drive a JUKE). I think the design of the LEAF is futuristic and perfect for the type of vehicle it is. The LEAF receives standard chrome door handles, 16-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, and a rear spoiler. Moving up to the SL trim will get you a solar panel rear spoiler and fog lights. My tester's exterior color was Glacier Pearl.

Interior

The LEAF offers a very airy and inviting cabin. Before getting into the LEAF I read a lot of reviews and comments about the quality of materials used. There is a mix of soft-touch materials and hard plastics throughout the cabin. The hard plastics did not bother me because I very rarely came in contact with any of those areas. The seats in the LEAF are comfortable and supportive. For those who are eco-conscious the cloth material used on the seats are made of recycled materials. The rear seats offer plenty of headroom and legroom even with the raised seating position due to the battery pack. The rear seats have a 60/40 split-folding set up which allows for more storage. For a hatchback design the 11.7 cubic foot of cargo room is disappointing. The controls and buttons in the LEAF operated no differently than in any other vehicle. The touchscreen was responsive and did not give me any problems.

Tech
The SV trim of the LEAF comes well equipped for an entry level model. SV buyers get Bluetooth connectivity, SiriusXM satellite radio, push-button start, LED lights, a 6-speaker stereo system, Navigation system with a 7-inch display, and heated front & rear seats. SL trim buyers will gain a rearview camera.

Safety
The LEAF is equipped with front airbags, driver and passenger front side impact airbags, and front and rear roof-mounted side curtain airbags. Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), ABS with Electronic Force Distribution, Tire Pressure Monitoring system, and the LATCH child seat anchoring system are also standard.

Charging
120-volt: 20 hours to fully recharge a depleted battery
240-volt: 8 hours to fully recharge a depleted battery (Standard)
DC "quick": 30 mins to charge the battery to 80%. In order to get this option buyers will have to shell out $700 extra when buying or leasing a LEAF SL.

Behind the Wheel
Under the hood you will find a 80 kW electric motor that produces 107 hp and 207 lb-ft of torque. Power from this motor is sent to the front wheels. Once inside of the LEAF I was able to get a comfortable seating position but was annoyed that the steering wheel could only tilt and not telescope. This is for all automakers please make your steering wheels tilt and telescope from now on! I was really interested in using the shifter and thought it was unique and simple to use. Pushing the start buttons turns on the LEAF which emits a chime to let the driver know the vehicle is on. At the beginning of last week it was in the high 60's which allowed me to start off with a range of 106 miles. The starting range dropped to 96 miles towards the end of the week due to the colder weather. The visibility out of the LEAF was really good but I did not like the split A pillar towards the bottom. All of my daily driving is in the city which this car was made for. I did have range anxiety because the last thing I wanted to be was stranded on the side of the road. The feeling of range anxiety did go away the more I drove the LEAF. The battery pack sit under the floor and gives the car a low center of gravity. The low center of gravity allows the LEAF to handle extremely well. While driving the torque was always available when I needed it. This was my first time experiencing regenerative brakes and I adjusted to them in no time. The LEAF's ride is comfortable, smooth, and sporty. Driving the LEAF felt weird because there was no engine noise. I am not a fan of grey colored interiors so I hope that Nissan will have other interior colors for the LEAF in the future. My favorite feature which definitely came in handy during the cold weather was the heated steering wheel.

Overall
My time in the Nissan LEAF was very enjoyable and exciting. I was able to drive the LEAF for a week just on two full charges. The LEAF does have a few setbacks which include price and range. A 2012 Nissan LEAF starts at over $36,000 but there is a tax credit of $7,500. Also next year Nissan will release a less expensive version of the all electric vehicle.  I drive a Nissan JUKE and I thought that it was going to be a huge difference once I started driving the LEAF. While the LEAF is an electric vehicle it drives and behaves like a normal car. The Nissan LEAF is not for everyone and that pretty much goes for every car. I would recommend the LEAF for anyone who does city driving and is looking for a fuel efficient vehicle. Those who are worried about the battery pack should know that it is warranted for 8 years/100,00 miles. There is no doubt the LEAF is expensive but as the technology becomes less expensive the price of electric vehicles will fall. In a few years I could see myself leasing or buying a Nissan LEAF.


Please click the "Join this site" button on the right hand side, subscribe, and check out my other posts!

Like The Green Light on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theglight?ref=hl

Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/AntonioJakes

Review: 2013 Kia Soul Base

The 2013 Kia Soul is in a category of it's own. I have been a fan of the Soul since it was first introduced. The 2013 Kia Soul competes against the Nissan Cube, Scion xB, and just about every other sub-compact car on the market. The Soul comes in three models: Base, Soul+, and Soul!. I was finally happy to get the keys to the hot selling Kia Soul. My tester was a Kia Soul Base Automatic that had a price tag of $18,085.

Exterior
The exterior of the Soul is definitely different than any other vehicle out there. The Soul did get a lot of looks from curious onlookers. There were a few exterior changes to the front and rear of the Soul to give it a cleaner look. I really like the addition of LED lights which makes the Soul standout even more. My tester's exterior color was Moss.

Interior
At this price range and for a base model, I think the interior is really nice. Anyone who is familiar with Kia's latest interiors will not be disappointed. There is a mix of good quality materials and hard texurized plastics throughout the cabin. The seats in the Soul are firm but comfortable. At 5'9" I had enough legroom and headroom in the backseats. From the position of the driver's seat the knobs and buttons were easy to reach. I was happy that Kia gave the Soul a tilt and telescoping steering wheel because I hate steering wheels that only tilt. When I first got in the Soul I was looking for the power buttons to move the side-view mirrors and realized they are manually adjusted (I'm so used to power everything).

Tech

My Soul came with an auxiliary audio input, Bluetooth connectivity, satellite radio, A/C, key-less entry, and steering wheel audio controls. If you're looking for more technology then you will have to step up to a Soul+ or Soul!.

Safety
The Soul's safety features include a Tire-Pressure Monitoring System, Side-Impact Door Beams, and 4-Wheel Anti-Lock Brakes. Other features include Child Safety Locks, Front Seat-Belt Pretensioners, Full-Length Side Curtain Airbags, and Lower Anchors & Tethers for Children (LATCH), Downhill Brake Control & Hill Assist Control, Traction Control System, and Electronic Brake-Force Distribution.

Behind the Wheel
The 2013 Kia Soul is powered by either a 1.6L 4-cylinder engine or a 2.0L 4-cylinder engine. The 1.6L engine produces 138 hp and 123 lb-ft of torque. The 2.0L engine produces 164 hp and 148 lb-ft of torque. You can only get a manual transmission on the base model, all other Souls can be paired to a 6-speed automatic transmission driving the front wheels.  I spent majority of my time in the Soul driving around the city which I assume most people with Souls will be doing. Kia's are known for their firm suspensions but I could not sense that in the Soul. The 1.6L engine produces adequate power but I would probably go for the bigger 2.0L engine. I found the Soul to be more lively when the transmission is manually shifted. The Soul has 19.3 cu.ft of storage in the back. My time spent in the Soul I averaged about 23 mpg around town.

Overall
The Kia Soul is a great vehicle for people who want something small and good on gas. This vehicle is for the buyer who likes to standout from the rest of the crowd. I am always a fan of quirky vehicles (I drive a Nissan Juke) because they offer styling that is far from boring. I didn't really have many complaints about the Soul. At this price range I felt the Soul offers a lot for the money.  The base Kia Soul starts at $14,400 and achieves 27 city and 35 hwy (1.6L), 26 city and 34 hwy (2.0L). I can see why the Soul has been so successful for Kia. The Soul is now on my list of favorite vehicles. If you are in the Eastern Carolina area please stop by and visit the wonderful people at Lee Kia of Greenville to check out the '13 Kia Soul.

Please click the "Join this site" button on the right hand side, subscribe, and check out my other posts!

Like The Green Light on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theglight?ref=hl

Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/AntonioJakes

Review: 2013 Kia Optima SX-Limited

The Kia Optima has to be one of the best looking sedans in it's class. New for 2013 is the Optima SX-Limited. The 2013 Kia Optima competes against the Nissan Atima, Ford Fusion, Hyundai Sonata, Toyota Camry, Dodge Avenger, Honda Accord, Chevy Malibu, VW Passat, and Chrysler 200. The Optima comes in 5 models: LX, EX, SX, SXL, and Hybrid. The last time I reviewed the Optima was back in 2011 which was the LX model. This go around my tester was a top of the line Optima SXL that had a price tag of $36,500.


Exterior
The Optima has a very premium look to it. Many people were amazed that the car I was driving was a Kia. The exterior of the Optima is still refreshing to look at. The addition of LED lights makes the Optima standout even more, along with the red brake calipers. My tester's exterior color was Titanium Metallic.

Interior

The interior of the '13 Kia Optima SXL is very luxurious. The SXL's interior is my favorite out of the midsize sedan category. There is a mix of soft-touch and good quality materials throughout the cabin. The stitching on the dashboard and doors is a nice touch. I really fell in love with the Nappa leather seats. The seats in the Optima are firm but comfortable. There is more than enough legroom and headroom in the backseats. I love that Kia decided to tilt the center console towards the driver. I found it easier to reach the touchscreen, knobs, and buttons. The steering wheel definitely gets 2 thumbs up from me. I am a big fan of paddle shifters but I wish Kia would have put them on the steering wheel column instead of on the steering wheel.

Tech
My Optima SXL tester came with Navigation, Bluetooth audio streaming, backup camera, Sirius satellite radio, heated and cooled front seats, powered seats, memory driver's seat, remote power start, an electronic parking brake, and a Infinity sound system. The large touchscreen was responsive and worked well. It is still hot here in North Carolina so I did have on the cooled ventilated driver's seat.

Safety
The Optima's safety features include a Tire-Pressure Monitoring System, Side-Impact Door Beams, and 4-Wheel Anti-Lock Brakes. Other features include Dual Front Advanced Airbags, Front Seat-Belt Pretensioners, Full-Length Side Curtain Airbags, Lower Anchors & Tethers for Children (LATCH), Front & Rear Crumple Zones, and Electronic Brake-Force Distribution.

Behind the Wheel
The 2013 Optima is powered by either a 2.4L 4-cylinder engine or a 2.0L 4-cylinder engine. The 2.4L engine produces 200 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque. The 2.0L engine produces 274 hp and 269 lb-ft of torque. My tester was powered by the 2.0L engine which is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. The Optima rode really well on the streets and roads here in North Carolina. I am not a fan of the steering in Kia vehicles but for some reason I thought the steering in the SXL was better. The 2.0L engine had more than enough power which made it easy to zoom in and out of traffic. The brakes used in the SXL trim were really good but I would have to drive the other Optima trim levels to really see the difference. I had no problem with the Optima's firm suspension but I'm sure if I was back on NYC roads my thoughts would be different. Majority of my time behind the wheel I used the paddle shifters which allowed me to be more connected to the Optima. The Optima has a huge trunk that can fit about 15.4 cu. ft of items in it. My time spent in the Optima SXL I averaged about 20 mpg combined.

Overall
The Kia Optima is a great choice in the midsize sedan category. This vehicle is for someone who wants to be seen in a car that is stylish and not a Honda Accord or Toyota Camry. I didn't really have many complaints about the Optima other than the paddle shifters position. When I first found out about the Optima SX-Limited I was concerned about the high price tag. I wasn't sure if people would be willing to shell out that kind of money on a midsize sedan. For that price tag buyers could get in a Hyundai Azera, Ford Taurus, Nissan Maxima, Chevy Impala, or Toyota Avalon. I think the sales of the SXL have proved me wrong about what people are willing to pay for. The base Kia Optima starts at $21,200 and achieves 24 city and 35 hwy. The SXL achieves 22 city and 34 hwy. If you are in the Eastern Carolina area please stop by and visit the wonderful people at Lee Kia of Greenville to check out the '13 Kia Optima SXL.

Please click the "Join this site" button on the right hand side, subscribe, and check out my other posts!

Like The Green Light on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theglight?ref=hl

Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/AntonioJakes

Review: 2013 Kia Sportage LX

I remember when I first saw the redesigned Kia Sportage back in 2010. I was interning at Nissan in Tennessee and my jaw drop after seeing a red Sportage. I could not believe that it was a Kia and that it looked that good. Two years later and the Sportage is still a good looking vehicle. The 2013 Kia Sportage competes against the Nissan Rogue, Ford Escape, Mazda CX-5, Hyundai Tuscon, Toyota Rav4, Honda CR-V, and Chevy Equinox. The Sportage comes in 4 models: Base, LX, EX, and SX. My tester was a Sportage LX FWD that had a price tag of $24,495.

Exterior
The 2013 Sportage is definitely a looker. The Sportage is probably the second best looking Kia after the Optima. The looks of the Sportage and Sorrento are very different which I think was a good idea. The addition of LED lights adds to the premium look of the Sportage. My tester's exterior color was Clean White. I just love vehicles in white.

Interior
The interior of the '13 Kia Sportage is a nice place to be. I wouldn't say the Sportage's interior is at the top of the class but it is surely not at the bottom. There is a lot of hard textured plastics throughout the cabin but there is soft touch and padded materials where it matters. The seats in the Sportage were firm but comfortable. The driver will have more than enough room upfront. The backseats offer a lot of legroom and headroom. I found the buttons and knobs to be of good quality and easy to reach from the driver's seat. The touchscreen is a little on the small side for me. My only real problem with the interior was the steering wheel. It was a little to hard for my liking. I would probably pay extra for a leather wrapped steering wheel.

Tech
My tester came with the convenience package which brought along Kia's UVO system and backup camera. There was also Bluetooth connectivity which is very important to me. I really like the UVO system. I thought that it worked well and was easy to use.

Safety
The Sportage's safety features include a Tire-Pressure Monitoring System, Side-Impact Door Beams, and 4-Wheel Anti-Lock Brakes. Other features include Dual Front Advanced Airbags, Front Seat-Belt Pretensioners, Full-Length Side Curtain Airbags, and Lower Anchors & Tethers for Children (LATCH), Downhill Brake Control & Hill Assist Control, Traction Control System, and Electronic Brake-Force Distribution.

Behind the Wheel

The 2013 Sportage is powered by either a 2.4L 4-cylinder engine or a 2.0L Turbocharged DOHC 4-cylinder engine. The 2.4L engine makes 176 hp and 168 lb-ft of torque. The 2.0L engine makes 260 hp and 269 lb-ft of torque. My tester came equipped with the 2.4L engine mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. The base model Sportage comes standard with a 6-speed manual. All other models are paired with a 6-speed automatic. The Sportage sits higher than some of the competition, so make sure that is not a problem for you. Driving around town I found that the 2.4L engine produces more than enough power. The suspension is on the firm side which wasn't a problem for me. The steering is a bit vague but the average person would not notice. I decided to take the Sportage on small roads, busy streets, and the shopping mall parking lot. I felt that the Sportage handled really well, it didn't feel bigger than it is. I was able to move in and out of spaces and lanes easily without any problems. The Sportage has 26.1 cu. ft of cargo room with the seats up and with the seats down has more than 54 cu. ft of cargo room.

Overall
I think that the 2013 Kia Sportage is a great crossover for a young family or for someone who wants to start off with a small crossover. If you're a buyer who doesn't want to be seen in a Toyota Rav4 or Honda CR-V then the Sportage is definitely worth a look. I know that I had a few issues with the Sportage but I do believe Kia to address those problems with the redesign. The little problems I had most people will not even notice. Kia is doing an amazing job with offering quality products with good value. The base model Sportage starts at $19,000 and achieves 22 city and 32 hwy.  If you are in the Eastern Carolina area please stop by and visit the wonderful people at Lee Kia of Greenville to check out the Sportage.

Please click the "Join this site" button on the right hand side, subscribe, and check out my other posts!

Like The Green Light on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theglight?ref=hl

Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/AntonioJakes

Review: 2013 Kia Rio 5-door EX Eco

I have never been a fan of sub-compact cars until now. The 2013 Kia Rio EX has surely changed my mind about sub-compacts. The '13 Rio competes against the Nissan Versa, Hyundai Accent, Honda Fit, Toyota Yaris, Ford Fiesta, and Chevy Sonic. There are three Rio 5-door models to choose from, LX, EX, and SX. My tester was a Rio 5-door EX Eco that came in at $19, 465.

Exterior
The 2013 Rio 5-door to me is the best looking car in it's class. The Kia designers have done an amazing job at crafting attractive vehicles. The Kia Rio definitely resembles and falls in-line with the rest of the Kia family. I showed some of my family members the Rio and they thought it was a very good looking car. My tester's exterior color was Platinum Silver.

Interior
The interior of the '13 Rio 5-door really shocked me. I wasn't expecting the interior to be as nice as it is. There is a mix of soft touch materials and hard plastics throughout the cabin. I found the seats in the Rio to be firm but comfortable. My uncle who is 6'2" got in the driver's seat and said it was spacious enough for him. The backseats offered plenty of legroom and headroom. The buttons and knobs are easy to reach from the driver's seat. My tester came with a leather wrapped steering wheel.

Tech
My tester came with the convenience package which brought along Kia's UVO system and backup camera. There was also Bluetooth connectivity which is very important to me. I really like the UVO system. I thought that it worked well and was easy to use. I really appreciated the Rio's power folding outside mirrors.

Safety
The Rio 5-door safety features include a Tire-Pressure Monitoring System, Side-Impact Door Beams, and 4-Wheel Anti-Lock Brakes. Other features include Dual Front Advanced Airbags, Front Seat-Belt Pretensioners, Full-Length Side Curtain Airbags, and Lower Anchors & Tethers for Children (LATCH).

Behind the Wheel
The '13 Rio 5-door is powered by a 1.6L GDI 4-cylinder engine producing 138 hp and 123 lb-ft of torque. My tester's engine was mated to an Electronically Controlled 6-Speed Automatic transmission. I thought that the 6-speed automatic worked well with the engine. While driving around I kept the Rio in driver but once I got on twisty roads I preferred to manually shift the Rio. The Rio is by no means a sporty car but I did have a little fun while driving. The power from the engine moved the Rio smoothly. The city that I live in here in North Carolina has really smooth streets so the Rio didn't experience any rough roads or potholes. While driving I didn't even realize that my tester came with the Idle Stop and Go System. It was not until I looked down and seen the Idle Stop and Go Icon. From most reviews I've watched and read, the reviewers thought the system worked really well. I really liked the Stop and Go system and at no time did I turn it off. The Rio 5-door with the seats up has 15 cu. ft of storage and with the seats down has 49.8 cu. ft of storage.

Overall
I really enjoyed my time behind the wheel of the 2013 Kia Rio 5-door. I think that the Rio is a great city car and people should definitely take a look at it. With the high prices of gas this is a vehicle that should be at the top of buyer's lists. One thing that makes the Rio a winner is the overall value. When I was telling my family about the price of the vehicle and the features it came with, they were all surprised. They could not believe all the features that came with it at the price. By the way one of those people who was surprised was my grandmother who drives an Infiniti EX35. I can do nothing else but recommend this vehicle! A base Rio 5-door starts at $13,800 and delivers 30 city and 40 hwy.  If you are in the Eastern Carolina area please stop by and visit the wonderful people at Lee Kia of Greenville to check out the Rio 5-door.

Please click the "Join this site" button on the right hand side, subscribe, and check out my other posts!

Like The Green Light on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theglight?ref=hl

Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/AntonioJakes
 

Review: 2013 Nissan Altima 2.5 SV

The 2013 Nissan Altima is "all-new" for this year. I have never been a fan of the Altima because it looked too much like the Maxima, and was around the same size. I've driven the last generation Altima sedan and Coupe which weren't a favorite of mines. But the 2013 Altima has really changed my mind. The '13 Altima competes against the Toyota Camry, Kia Optima, Hyundai Sonata, redesigned Honda Accord, Ford Fusion, and Mazda6. There are three Altima models to choose from, 2.5, S, SV, and SL. My tester was an Altima SV that came in at $26,095.

Exterior
The 2013 Altima is the best looking Altima EVER!!! It is apparent that the Altima got it's design cues from the Maxima, Ellure concept, and the Infiniti M. The front of the Altima is bold and definitely makes a statement when you drive up. While driving throughout North Carolina I got many looks and stares but that could have been the Cayenne Red exterior color. Red has never been my color but I think the Altima looks best in this color. 17'' alloy wheels are standard as well as dual exhaust outlets.

Interior
The interior of the '13 Altima is a huge improvement over the last generation. There is a mix of soft touch materials and hard plastics throughout the cabin. The seats in the Altima are extremely comfortable and supportive. My passengers also thought the seats were some of the best seats they have sat in. In the backseat there is plenty of legroom and headroom. I had no complaints coming from my aunt who was sitting in the back. The buttons and knobs are easy to reach from the driver's seat and are of great quality. My tester came standard with a leather wrapped steering wheel which was easy to grip.

Tech

For a mid-level Altima there is quite a bit of tech. The '13 Altima comes with the Advanced Drive-Assist Display, Bluetooth hands-free and streaming audio, dual zone automatic temperature control, remote engine start, a 5" color display and Rearview monitor.

Safety
The Tire Pressure Monitoring System is a great addition to have. The horn will beep when you have reached the optimum pressure. The Altima comes with 6 airbags, ABS with Electronic Brake Force Distribution, Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) with Traction Control System (TCS).
The LATCH System was simple and easy. I had no trouble attaching and removing my cousin's car-seat.

Behind the Wheel
The '13 Altima is powered by either a 2.5L 4-cylinder engine producing 182 hp or a 3.5L V6 producing 270 hp. My tester was the 2.5L 4-cylinder engine mated to Nissan's new Xtronic CVT driving the front wheels. For all of the people that complain about CVTs you all need to drive the new Altima. Nissan's engineers did a hell of a job making the CVT flawless. I may get flack for saying this but at times I thought I was in a car with an conventional automatic transmission. The majority of my time behind the wheel I had the Altima shifted to Ds which made the Altima drive sportier. I did miss paddle shifters which would have been nice to have. I was in the '12 Altima a few months ago and the '13 Altima accelerated quicker and smoother. The Active Understeer Control worked really well. The '13 Altima was fun and enjoyable. I did not even think of wanting the bigger V6 engine. At one point my grandmother (who drives a '11 Infiniti EX35) said "is this a V6?" I achieved a combined 24 mpg during my time in the Altima but I expected it to be a little higher.

Overall
I now have a little soft spot in my heart for the '13 Altima. As much as I like the new Altima, the Maxima will always be my favorite Nissan sedan. But with high fuel costs I would definitely pick the Altima due to it's impressive MPG ratings. People should know that the Altima is not and I repeat is not a "sports sedan" but it is a sporty sedan. Having only driven the recent Kia Optima, and new Altima I am falling in love with the midsize sedan category. If you are in the market for a new midsize sedan then you should take a look at the new Altima. But for those who like the look of the upcoming Ford Fusion and Mazda6 I would suggest waiting until you drive both of those models. A 2013 Altima 2.5 base model starts at $21,500 and delivers 27 city and 38 hwy.

Please click the "Join this site" button on the right hand side, subscribe, and check out my other posts!


Like The Green Light on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theglight?ref=hl

Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/AntonioJakes

Review: 2012 Chevy Impala LT

The 2012 Chevy Impala is the first GM product I have driven. The Impala competes against the Nissan Maxima, Toyota Avalon, Hyundai Azera, and Ford Taurus. My tester was an Impala LT which stickers for a little over $28,000.

Exterior
To be honest, there is nothing attractive or eye-catching about the current generation Impala. The exterior is bland and does not hold its own against the competition. I am extremely happy that the next generation Impala is on its way. My tester came in Imperial Blue Metallic which is not one of my favorite colors.

Interior

After being inside of the 2014 Chevy Impala, I was very disappointed with my tester's interior. The interior definitely resembles the "Old GM". The materials throughout the cabin were mostly hard plastics. The seats in the Impala were comfortable and supportive. The most impressive aspect of the Impala was the amount of legroom and headroom. The knobs and buttons are dated but were easy to use. But for a vehicle that cost close to $30,000 I expect more luxurious touches.

Tech
The only tech in my tester was Bluetooth hands-free calling.

Behind the wheel
The Chevy Impala is powered by a 3.6L V6 engine producing 300 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque. The engine is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Driving from NYC back home to North Carolina I wanted to see how the Impala would drive and handle. The power came on smoothly and was there every time I needed it. The Impala is not by any means sport and it showed due to the lack of steering feedback. The car soaked up the bumps in the road well. Visibility was good but having a Blindspot monitoring system would have helped.

Overall
I have never been interested in the Chevy Impala mainly because of it's exterior and interior design. After seeing the next generation Impala I am very excited for that vehicle. The next generation Impala can be competitive against the new competition. The V6 engine in the Impala was greatly needed and adds some life to the car when driving it. If you are interested in a vehicle with a strong engine, decent ride, good fuel economy, and don't care about exterior designs then check out the 2012 Chevy Impala. The base model 2012 Chevy Impala starts at $26,585 and delivers 18 mpg/city and 30mpg/hwy.

Please click the "Join this site" button on the right hand side, subscribe, and check out my other posts!


Like The Green Light on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theglight?ref=hl

Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/AntonioJakes

  

Review: 2012 Nissan 370Z Coupe Touring

The 2012 Nissan 370Z is the second time I've been in a 370Z. My first time is when I drove a 2010 Nissan 370Z NISMO on the roads of Tennessee. My time in the 370Z NISMO was fun and challenging because it was my first time in two years driving a manual (I'm still learning how). But this time around my tester came equipped with a 7-speed automatic, YAY! There are three Z's to choose from, including the coupe, the roadster, and the NISMO. My tester was a 370Z Touring that came in at $42,535.

Exterior
In my opinion the 370Z is the best looking vehicle in the Nissan lineup. A lot of the Z
s design elements have trickled down over the years into the Maxima, Altima, and Murano CrossCabriolet. The Z features claw-like shaped headlights, plenty of curves, and a tooth in the grille that is going away for the 2013 model year. I am not a big fan of black cars but my tester's Magnetic Black Metallic color really stood out.

Interior

The 370Z is a small vehicle and sits EXTREMELY low. The interior of the 370Z is a big improvement over the 350Z. I am happy that the Z has no rear seats! This allows more room for the driver and passenger to adjust their seats. There is a mix of good quality and soft touch materials throughout the cabin. The seats in the Z are very comfortable and supportive. I do think that at $42,000 power adjusting seats should be standard. The knobs and buttons are of good quality and are easy to reach from the drivers seat.

Tech
There was little to no tech in my tester. The 370Z does have push-button start, and an eight-speaker sound system. Buyers can step up to a hard-drive based navigation system, 9.3GB of music storage, XM satellite radio, Bluetooth audio streaming, and a much needed rear-view camera.

Behind the wheel
The 370Z is powered by Nissan's 3.7L V6 engine producing 332 hp and 276 lb-ft of torque. Unlike the rest of the Nissan lineup the Z's engine is mated to a 7-speed automatic transmission. The transmission works really well and power comes on when needed. A lot of reviewers complained about the engine noise but I did not find it that annoying. But it could be that I was having too much fun on the roads of North Carolina. Majority of the time I had the car in manual mode and used the paddle shifters which to my liking are mounted to the steering wheel column instead of the wheel. Visibility in the 370Z is really limited. Driver's will have to pay attention to their blind spots. The ride of the 370Z can be pretty harsh and Nissan needs to find a way to improve ride quality.

Overall
I have always had a fascination with the Z going all the way back to the Datsun days. The 370Z is a blast to drive and is a great value. I think the biggest problem facing the current generation Z is price. The 370Z is in the same price field as the Infiniti G37 coupe and convertible. There have been talks that the next generation Z would feature a smaller engine which I hope is not true. The V6 is a staple of the Z and should not be replaced. If you're in the market for a sports car be sure to check out the Nissan 370Z at your nearest dealership (If you're in NC be sure to visit my friends at Greenville Nissan). You may be able to get a good deal because the 2013 370Z model is getting ready to roll out. A 2012 Nissan 370Z base trim starts at $32,280 and delivers 19 mpg city and 26 mpg hwy.

Please click the "Join this site" button on the right hand side, subscribe, and check out my other posts!


Like The Green Light on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theglight?ref=hl

Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/AntonioJakes

Review: 2012 Nissan Altima 2.5 S

The Altima is Nissan's most important vehicle in its lineup. The 2012 Nissan Altima is ready to be phased out by the incoming 2013 model. The Altima competes against the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Kia Optima, Hyundai Sonata, VW Passat, Dodge Avenger, and the Chrysler 200. This is the first Altima I have been in since I drove the 2010 Altima 2.5 SL coupe. My tester was the 2.5 S trim coming in at $26,265.

Exterior
The 2012 Altima is definitely showing its age. While the Altima isn't the ugliest vehicle in its class it is not the best looking. Many people will be fine with the Altima's conservative styling. I think the Altima does stand out in exterior colors such as red and white. My test was in Brilliant Silver.

Interior
I found the interior of the Altima to be good and effective. There is a mix of soft touch materials and plastics throughout the cabin. My tester came with the basic head unit, which I found easy to use and operate. The knobs and buttons are of good quality and were easy to reach and use. The interior color of my tester was charcoal which many people will like especially if they have children. The front cloth bucket seats are comfortable and supportive. The rear seats are just as comfortable and supportive. There is a decent amount of headroom and legroom available. With the drivers seat all the way back I still had enough legroom. The middle seat should only be used for a child. Overall I think the cabin works really well.

Tech
The Altima comes standard with Nissan's Intelligent Key and push button start. My test car had a power drivers seat, steering mounted audio controls, and Bluetooth connectivity. The Bluetooth was simple and easy to use.

Behind the Wheel
The Altima is powered by a 2.5L four cylinder engine mated to a CVT (continuously variable transmission) that works really well. This 2.5L engine produces 175 hp and 180 lb-ft of torque. I like V6 engines but the power of the four cylinder came on smoothly and didn't have me wanting more power. The Altima's ride is sporty which sets it apart from the competition. The steering is responsive which makes the Altima enjoying to drive. While driving the cabin remained quiet at most times but the droning sound of the transmission did appear. I found the visibility out of the windows and mirrors to be really good. The Altima is easy to drive which made me feel very comfortable behind the wheel.

Overall

The Nissan Altima does extremely well int he categories that matter to buyers which is why it has been so successful. The current generation Altima has been around since the 2007 model year. But that is changing with the 2013 model which is set to hit dealers soon. Since a new model is coming buyers who are looking for a midsize sedan should make their way to a Nissan dealership to get a good deal on a 2012 Altima (In the NC area make sure to visit my friends at Greenville Nissan). The 2012 Nissan Altima offers performance, fuel efficiency, and good reliability. A base 2.5 Altima starts at $20,550 and delivers 23 mpg city and 32 mpg highway.

Please click the "Join this site" button on the right hand side, subscribe, and check out my other posts!

Follow @AntonioJakes