Devon test drives the new 320i sedan

If you considered a BMW 3-series in the past, most likely you were turned away because of the BMW price tag. The new 320i however knocks $3,000 off the price tag and a much less powerful turbocharged four-cylinder engine. This all sounds good on paper, but are you really buying a 320i because of the badge? Let’s find out.

Performance: The 320i comes with the same 2-liter turbocharged four-cylinder but only produces 180hp instead of 248hp. Most will think it’s too watered down, but in our opinion we found this engine to be quite enough. City and highway driving never felt underpowered and the overall impression of the engine itself is quite good. Fuel economy isn’t too much different than the 330i which is a little disappointing considering the decrease in horsepower.

Ride & Handling: The 320i rides and handles the way a BMW is supposed to. Sharp handling, precise steering and excellent body control. The all-wheel-drive version has oodles of grip, but the sweet spot is the rear-wheel-drive configuration. You can really kick the car into corners and it feels much lighter and more engaging to drive hard.

Refinement: Some wind noise will sneak into the cabin at highway speeds. This however can be drained out when you turn the radio on. Road noise and suspension noise are well suppressed. The turbo engine has an addicting turbo whirl that adds a bit to the overall sporty nature of the car.

Behinid the wheel: Drivers will be greeted with plenty of adjustments for the driver’s seat and steering wheel. The instrumental panel has a minimalistic approach in terms of how the controls are laid out. Most are hidden away in the standard iDrive system. BMW has vastly improved the interface and made it less fiddly than the previous version.

Space & Practicality: There is plenty of space for both front and rear passengers. Headroom and legroom are plenty. The boot offers a decent size too, although you’ll have to pay extra for split folding rear seats.

Equipment: The 320i comes well equipped considering that the price drop between it and the 330i. Automatic climate control, iDrive interface, and an eight-speed automatic are standard. You’ll have to pay extra for leather seats, xenon headlamps and a sunroof. Considering the amount of kit you get already, the only option that makes sense would be the Xenon headlamps. The cool corona ring day-time running lamps are definitely worth the extra money.

Buying & Owning: The 320i doesn’t really offer much of a fuel advantage over the 330i, which is disappointing because it would broaden the appeal. The price between the two trims isn’t that significant to really make this version of the 3 series a real bargain. Running costs should be decent if you keep a light food on the accelerator pedal, resale value should be strong as with all BMW Cars.

Reliability: The quality materials used inside the cabin are up to par with the price tag. Everything feels high quality and long lasting. Although some plastic around the glove compartment look rather cheap, reliability is reasonable for the 3 series.

Safety: Front and side curtain airbags are standard as well as knee airbags for front passengers. Adaptive brake lights, anti-lock brakes with traction control and electronic stability program should help aid in traction. An engine immobilizer and anti-theft deterrent keeps theft at bay, an anti-theft alarm is optional.

The 320i is the cheapest way into the 3-series line-up. It may skip a few of the desirable features that you’d want, but for the price and what it offers it’s quite enough. However, like all cars there are downsides. The fuel economy benefits aren’t significant compared to the 330i. Some may view it as a watered down 3-series, while others will say there are rivals that offer much more for this price. If you like the BMW badge but couldn’t afford a 330i, this maybe your new way in. Otherwise we’d say go with the 330i.

Likes: Attractive starting price should lure new buyers. Sharp steering and handling, turbo engine is smooth and doesn’t feel underpowered. Halogen headlights are weak.

Dislikes: Some will see it as a watered down 3-series. No fuel economy benefit compared to the 330i which has 68 more horsepower. Add on the options and this entry-level is about as expensive as the 330i. 

Pathological hate test drives the tiny Smart Fortwo

The Smart Fortwo, the cheapest rear-wheel-drive coupe you can buy.

The sole engine choice in the Smart Fortwo is a turbocharged three-cylinder engine pumping out 89hp. It doesn't sound like much but you have to remember the Fortwo isn't a large car to begin with, and well this is just enough. The previous 1-liter three-cylinder only had 70hp and was a non-turbo, and that engine felt weak on faster paced roads, and with the sequential gearbox it didn't really help make things any better. Luckily for us, this generation comes with either a five-speed manual gearbox or a six-speed automatic. We haven't had the chance to test the manual gearbox but we did have the auto gearbox which we found it to be light years better than the old automated manual. It still isn't as great as it should be but it does the intended job well. Back to the engine, it does come with a turbo which does give you decent torque at low revs but it's a bit of an odd ball here. It has turbo lag at low revs and it does hesitate off the line.

The benefits of having the engine at the rear is that the turning circle is one of the tightest we've seen on any production car. The only other vehicle that can match the Fortwo is the Renault Twingo that's sold in Europe. It's quite easy to drive the Fortwo around town, in fact you'll enjoy zipping it around thanks to the dinky dimensions. It's slightly bigger than the outgoing version which helps make the ride comfort more real car-like. The previous Fortwo ride was way too firm and the one before that felt like it had a suspension composed of a pogo stick. When you take the Fortwo outside of city limits, it doesn't feel as composed due to the short wheelbase. It does feel composed at relaxed speeds but the seats are so comfy that you'll forget that you drove a long distance.

The interior is designed for just two people and well, the accommodations for those two people aren't bad at all. You'll find that both head room and legroom are in the bucket loads. The infotainment system isn't the best in the world, but it is easy to navigate through once you've gotten used to the interface and the menus. We do love the Euro-chic design that the Fortwo has this time around, the previous versions were more on the style rather than functionality side. But the materials used were decent quality, which we can't diss this version with either.

There are four trims to choose from. Standard Pure is the entry-level trim and is the cheapest. You do get bluetooth connectivity, power windows and door locks as well as air-con. You'll have to pay extra for alloy wheels or step up to the Pure trim which adds powered and heated mirrors, height adjustable seat  and retractable cargo cover. Passion trim gets fog lights, leather seats, panoramic sunroof, rain sensing wipers with auto headlights. Top of the range Prime adds premium sound system, paddle shifters, sports suspension and chrome exhaust tip.

The Fortwo is one of those vehicles that is perfect if you live in a congested urban area and street parking is a premium. You'll love the scratch and dent resistant body panels and also the dinky dimensions makes parking and squeezing around the city a breeze. Outside the city the Fortwo can hold its own but it feels more of a chore to drive than many of it's larger more comfortable rivals.

Likes: Euro-chic styling inside out. Improved engine and transmission as well as ride comfort. Decent space for two (no pun intended).

Dislikes: Gas mileage isn't anything to brag about. Some of the quirky charm we loved about the previous generation is gone.

Options to consider when looking at the 320i sedan

Better than a 3-series (320i) sedan.
Here are our top five picks for vehicles we think are better than the 320i.



Mazda 3 Grand Touring ($27,561*)
We love the Mazda 3 as it’s fun to drive, has an excellent interior and refined powertrain. The Grand Touring trim offers all the bells and whistles and still comes in at a price well below $40k. It’s pretty hard to fault the Mazda 3 here considering that it has a more potent 2.5 four-cylinder and the 3-series has a 2-liter turbo making 5hp shy of the Mazda 3. Also, the fact that it gets lower running costs and is cheaper to own. You can choose between a sedan and hatchback for added versatility.



Subaru Impreza Limited ($30,619*)
The Mazda 3 doesn’t offer all-wheel-drive and well for those who might want all-wheel-drive will love the Impreza. It may not have the flexible four-cylinder that the Mazda 3 comes with but it surely does have low running costs for a car equipped with all-wheel-drive, and the top of the range Limited Trim is very well equipped. Subaru is known for excellent build quality which should help deter you away from the 320i.



Honda Civic Touring ($27,475*)
Full-LED headlights, navigation system, heated front seats and a turbo engine that’s actually quite good. The Civic Touring offers great value for the money and should be another option worth considering if you are looking at a 320i. You may not get the all-wheel-drive like the Subaru Impreza but for many it isn’t a deal breaker. However, our only gripe is that the infotainment system is fiddly to operate.



Volkswagen GTI SE ($34,840*)
The GTI seems like the most expensive of the bunch so far but you get a thumping turbo engine that’s more powerful than the 320i (220hp vs 180hp) and also you get more standard kit than you would with the 320i. Plus, it’s one of the best hot hatches money can buy. Sure you can buy a Focus St but the Focus ST isn’t as refined as the GTI and isn’t as comfortable to drive as a daily vehicle. We love how the interior is so much more refined and also the fact that you get hatchback practicality. How could you say no to this?



Hyundai Elantra Sport ($24,330*)
This maybe the cheapest on the list but it surely isn’t short on standard kit and fun. The 1.6 turbo found in this is the same one from the Soul which pumps out 201hp and you can have it with a six-speed manual gearbox or a seven-speed auto gearbox. Flexibility with this turbo engine is far better than the Impreza and even the Civic but handling is more on the neutral side along with the steering feedback which is almost lifeless. We surely do recommend this on the list of vehicles that you can buy other than a 320i simply because it has the features to back up the price and the performance as well. How can anyone say no to 201hp?

BMW 320i (2-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, 180hp)
Mazda 3 (2.5-liter four-cylinder, 185hp)
Subaru Impreza (2-liter four-cylinder, 152hp)
Honda Civic (1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, 174hp)
Hyundai Elantra (1.6-turbocharged four-cylinder, 201hp)

Anti-crossover-choices

Anti-crossover-choices
We all know that there are few drivers out there who really don’t want a crossover. So we’ve decided to list our top five picks for vehicles that aren’t crossovers.



Volkswagen Golf wagon
The TDI engine is no more for the U.S. which really is sad because that was our favorite engine combo for the wagon.  You can still get this with a smooth and responsive 1.8 turbo engine which pumps out 170hp. All-wheel-drive has been added to the range but you can get it with the S trim. The interior is classy and the boot space while not the best in the class, it is a lot better than many crossovers of similar size. You can’t go wrong with the Golf Wagon it really is a jack of all trade.



Volvo V90
You’ll have to special order this if you want this wagon but it is well worth the considering especially since it is cheaper than the V90 CC and XC90. You get two engine choices which are shared with the S90. We’d say avoid the entry-level T5 and go right for the T6 AWD which has a more flexible engine and well it doesn’t really costs much more. The V90 is more expensive than the Golf but it is such an elegantly designed wagon that it’s pretty hard not to give it a second look.



Volvo V60 Polestar
Yes this is a very expensive wagon but at the same token it is a very powerful one at that. All-wheel-drive is standard and offers plenty of grip when things get slippery and the interior is very tastefully Swedish. It may not appeal to everyone considering the wagon stigma but if you are a driving enthusiast you’ll pick this over any crossover any day.



Mercedes E-class wagon
This is the most expensive wagon on the list and yes it’s a Mercedes we get that, but it is simply elegantly designed. The turbo six-cylinder engine is smooth and flexible. You also get a very classy interior with a boot so big that you won’t even need a crossover for space. We do hope that Mercedes decided to bring the diesel version of the wagon in 2018 when the CDI makes a comeback.



BMW 3-series touring
We’ve praised the 3-series touring as the best BMW of the range. It offers plenty of space in the boot, it’s the most stylish and also the only real all-wheel-drive diesel wagon you can currently buy in the U.S. Yes those who wrote on blogs bring an all-wheel-drive wagon here well it’s either this or nothing at all. The turbo four-cylinder also has plenty of flexibility and the overall driving experience is on point with the sedan. We just wish that there was a 320 trim offered or maybe even a turbo six in the 340 trim for a few thousand more to spice things up.

Devon Test Drives a Chevy Aveo (used)

Cheap cars are becoming all the rage. With many automakers going small to appeal to an audience they've never reached out to. Chevy however, has been building cars that are affordable for many years. Many of them fail against rivals from Japan. So how does the Aveo stack up?

Performance: There's only one engine available and that's a 1.6-liter four-cylinder with 108hp. Acceleration is peppy around town. But when you get to highway speeds, the engine struggles to get up to pace. You'll need to work the engine hard to get the most of it. Fuel economy is good, but rivals offer more power and similar fuel consumption.

Ride & Handling: If you're looking for a fun to drive city car, you'd best look elsewhere. The Aveo has numb steering that offers very little feedback. The suspension is set towards comfort, so there's lots of bodyroll in corners. The ride can be a bit bouncy on some road surfaces.

Refinement: The engine feels refined, until pushed hard. Around town, the Aveo feels quiet and comfortable. On the highway, there's lots of wind and road noise that sneaks into the cabin.

Behind the wheel: There's no adjustment for reach, which makes the driving position for some hard to obtain. The seating position is also a let down. You'll feel like you're sitting on the car rather than sitting inside. This will discourage enthuisatic driving. For the price the interior feels well put together. Nothing stands out, or feels special. There are rivals that offer better interiors for the money.

Space & Practicality: For such a small car, there's plenty of leg and headroom for four passengers in the interior. The boot isn't big, but offers enough space for small city runs. There's split folding rear seats to extends cargo space.

Equipment: The term "you get what you pay for" really does define the Aveo. The base trim level feels down right mean. There's no air-conditioning, and many other features that are standard on other rivals. You'll have to step up and pay more to get the extras that should be standard. To get a well equipped Aveo, you'll pay about the same or more than its rivals. Making the Aveo seems somewhat of a let down in value.

Buying & Owning: The Aveo doesn't seem like much of a bargain compared to its rivals. The engine offers decent pace, if you're trips don't evolve going outside of the city. Resale value isn't anything to brag about, but fuel economy is good. It offers plenty of space and feels comfortable when driven in a economical non-sporty manner.

Quality & Reliability: The interior feels worth the asking price. There's nothing special about it, but the materials used look and feel sturdy. Reliability has been good, but there are some reports of engine problems by owners.

Safety & Security: There's available ABS but that option is limited to the top of the range. Now a days vehicles are offering many safety features standard. Leaving the Aveo far behind in the competition. There's a mandated alarm system but little else in terms of security against theft.

Likes: Plenty of space for a small car, decent fuel economy.

Dislikes: Under-powered engine, not as fun to drive as it looks, numb steering and lots of body-roll.

Overall: There are many rivals that offer a blend of everything the Aveo falls short in. The replacement for the Aveo will address everything the Aveo failed to live up to. However, if you need a cheap car that's comfortable and has decent running cost. The Aveo is the car for you. You might want to consider its rivals first.

It's not a Honda Accord/ Toyota Camry (we critique family-sedans)

Subaru Legacy 

Likes: The only mid-sized sedan with standard all-wheel drive and bullet proof reliability. Subaru has finally improved interior quality and the engines both offer respectable running costs. 

Dislikes: It's rather bland to look at, and there's no more turbo engine option. Headlights are overly sensitive in auto setting. 

Overall: Despite what most people think, the Subaru Legacy is a great option for those who really do need all-wheel-drive and don't want to option for a crossover. It may not be as functional as a wagon but it surely does fit the bill well. 

Volkswagen Passat 

Likes: 1.8 turbo engine offers decent flexibility and low running costs, while the 3.6 can satisfy the power hungry crowd. The rear seat is roomy while the boot space is enormous. 

Dislikes: The driving experience matches the looks, both are bland at best. The 4-motion all-wheel-drive is no longer optional and we would love to see the wagon return. 

Overall: The Euro Passat is so much classier inside and out. We beg you Volkswagen can the next Passat we get look as classy!

Nissan Altima 

Likes: The standard 2.5 may not seem like much on paper but it offers a really nice blend in performance and running costs. The interior is roomy for five with a boot that's generous in space. 

Dislikes: You'll have to climb all the way up to the 2.5 SR to get standard alloy wheels. The 3.5 six-cylinder feels way too powerful for its chassis. Steering feedback is almost lifeless. 

Overall: The Altima isn't all that bad but it's not great either. 

Ford Fusion

Likes: The ecoboost four-cylinder engines all offer the flexibility that you'd want with low running costs that you need. Despite the mild facelift, the Fusion still looks fresh compared to many keen rivals. 

Dislikes: Don't buy the Fusion hybrid it's a false economy. It's not as refined as a Honda Accord or Volkswagen Passat. 

Overall: The Fusion Sport is quite literally better than the Nissan Maxima, while everyone else will be happy with the Titanium trim if you're willing to dish out the cash for it. 

Hyundai Sonata 

Likes: It's still stylish despite the mild restyles that it has received. The rear seat is very spacious and the boot offers decent space as well. The mainstream versions aren't bad but acceleration is pokey, the turbo engine is smoother but reliability is iffy. 

Dislikes: Residuals are worrying. We've heard many horror stories about long-term reliability. 

Overall: We love how Hyundai has progressed as an automaker, but after the several horror stories of engine failure. We certainly question if the Sonata is a smart buy. 

Chevy Malibu 

Likes: Interior built quality has improved dramatically and the engines that are offered are all decent in flexibility and low in running costs. 

Dislikes: It can get expensive quickly and the expensive trims are the ones many will want. Typical GM having an interior that looks similar to at least three other cars. 

Overall: GM has improved their products, but nothing about them feel special. 

Mazda 6 

Likes: The most fun to drive family-sedan you can buy. It feels the quickest and has the lowest running costs. The best interior of the price segment. 

Dislikes: No turbo engine option. 

Overall: This is quite literally the benchmark of family-sedans. It's quick on its feet, offers a driving experience that's so rewarding that others can't quite match. We just wish that it had a more powerful engine option to really go toe to toe with Ford and Volkswagen. 

Road trip with Ford Explorer Sport

Sitting in a rental car lot for any car enthusiast is like sitting in a panic room. Well, not really but the thought of getting a crappy basic vehicle does make the whole experience rather daunting, more than necessary. The main objective of renting a car was to get the most efficient vehicle I could find, one that would hopefully get me from Southside of Chicago to West Dundee with the least amount of fuel used possible and having decent driving dynamics too. After all most of the journey would be on the highway and a small econobox wouldn’t be much fun unless it were evenly balanced in horsepower to weight ratio.

First selection option was a Nissan Altima with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 182hp and estimated 39 miles to the gallon on the highway. This seemed like a very decent choice even though the 2008 Nissan Altima (same engine) I’ve tested in the past had a very float-y ride comfort and steering that was more disconnected from feedback than a Toyota. Sadly, that option quickly became unavailable and the next option was a Hyundai Santa Fe. First thing that popped into my mind was a Santa Fe Sport with a 2-liter turbocharged four-cylinder 240hp and all-wheel-drive. Fuel economy wouldn’t even be close to the 39 miles to gallon estimate that the Altima had but it would be near thirty which was still good for a 50 mile journey.

The same fate also occurred with the Santa Fe it was not available. I became even more worried that I wasn’t going to even get a compact Chevy Cruze at this point because somehow I’ve been straddled from a mid-sized to a crossover. Eventually it became clear that I was going to get something even more illogical for the road trip when the clerk walked back and asked me if the Ford Explorer were fine? I said with a big sigh, “yes that’s fine”; even though at the back of my mind I knew that this crossover was going to be a gas guzzler and totally illogical for just two people. But a free triple upgrade is better than no car at all.

I’ve driven my fair share of large vehicles and the large seven-seat crossovers are the ones that seem the most daunting to drive. It almost felt like I was driving a short bus. I didn’t mind the fact that it is a larger vehicle and the road feel was very different. It didn’t take long to get comfortable behind the wheel and the infotainment system wasn’t a mess like the previous Explorer with a sea of buttons and controls that were very confusing to navigate. It was a pretty decent design on the inside with comfortable front seats and heated steering wheel. Visibility wasn’t even an issue at all; it was very easy to see out of at all angles. I was still wishing that I had the Altima though because of the more efficient engine.

Once I arrived at home and began packing up the Explorer I was quickly reminded of how much easier it is to load a larger vehicle. The third row seats both folded down at the press of a button and even the boot opens with the wave of your foot under the bumper. It seemed that the Explorer extra little luxury features was winning me over, despite me wanting to hate this vehicle so much.

The road trip started off with a huge grin on my face because as the 3.5ecoboost engine fired up. I could feel that I was in for a real treat. A real treat as in a turbocharged six-cylinder pumping out 365hp and 350lb-ft torque; easily one of the most powerful engines I have ever driven. Flexibility on this engine is very good. It’s smooth around town and when you feel like passing people on the highway there’s tons of torque when needed for that extra kick in the pants before the turbo kicks in and you really feel the power push you into the back of your seat. These are very uncommon traits for a seven-seat vehicle. Hell this is very uncommon for a Ford even.

The first leg of the journey flew through smoothly with mostly free flowing traffic and not much slowing down and stopping. Picked up my passenger and began the long journey to West Dundee. The commanding view of the road is why I love crossovers so much and the Explorer Sport really did shine. It didn’t feel like I was going to topple over or roll over when I turned the wheel too hard, the electronic stability control made sure that I didn’t do anything too stupid. Plus the all-wheel-drive ensured I had enough traction where I needed it the most.

The second leg of the journey we experienced mild stop/start traffic that only increased the closer and closer we approached the Eden’s Junction. Once we passed Harlem the traffic opened up tremendously and I was once again able to really enjoy the 3.5ecoboost engine. It doesn’t feel like it has such massive horsepower figures until you put your foot down and the turbo kicks in. It was almost like driving a sports car in the form of a seven-seat crossover. Steering feedback isn’t as sharp as a BMW X5 and some of the materials in the interior are a hit or miss at best. The touch screen infotainment system is far less fiddly than prior and was so much easier to use than that of more expensive options. I didn’t get the chance to use the navigation system but it wasn’t needed seeing that our route only involved one highway.

Road noise wasn’t much of an issue but some wind buffeting could be heard around the side mirrors and of course being that the Explorer is more on the boxy side it felt as if we were being blown about by the crosswinds. We wished that Ford developed a system similar to Mercedes crosswind stability control; this would’ve taken some of the woes out of the driving experience during unusually high winds.

Parking and maneuvering the Explorer isn’t as daunting as it looks. The parking camera really does come in handy. We do however the parking sensors can be quite sensitive, especially when the car behind us was nowhere as close as the sensors were screaming. The headlights in auto mode take a while to activate when in a tunnel, which we found weird because as soon as you exit the tunnel the lights shut off immediately.  We also disliked the long wait for the hands free boot opening, which seems to be about average with most of these systems.

Road trip summary: The Explorer is very comfortable and refined for the price. The engine offers plenty of flexibility and is smooth at low speeds. The driving position offers excellent seating comfort and the interior is eye appealing, even though in some areas it still feels lackluster. Overall the Explorer Sport is a great option among the heavy hitters, but for those who want the most bang for their buck you really can’t go wrong here. It is a package worth considering.

Average MPG: 19 mpg

Running costs: $40

Miles driven: 160 miles

Likes: Handsome looks inside out. There’s plenty of space for seven people. The 3.5ecoboost engine is so smooth and refined. The standard kit list is actually quite good.

Dislikes: The interior is a hit or miss in quality for some areas. Steering could use more feedback.

Devon tries to find sense in a Activehybrid3 (Used)

BMW wanted to prove a point when they created the Activehybrid3. They wanted to create the sportiest hybrid you can buy. But will it live up to those expectations?

Performance: The Activehybrid3 comes with a 3-liter turbocharged six-cylinder producing 300hp with a 55hp electric motor for a combined total of 335hp. Performance is what you would expect from a BMW solid. It’s smooth and comfortable around town and there’s plenty of oomph on the highway.

On the road: The Activehybrid3 we had as a tester car only came with the adaptive M sport suspension which really does improve handling and steering feel. Even with the combined M-sport package with larger alloys we still found the ride comfortable and much more refined than the C-class with AMG package. In the cabin road and wind noise are all well suppressed with a premium feel.

Behind the wheel: There’s plenty of space for the driver and front passenger to get comfortable. Passengers in the rear seat will also find comfort as well. The infotainment system and iDrive are a paradigm of clarity. Everything is easy to use thanks to the redesign of the iDrive system and of course BMW’s minimalistic approach to dashboard layout. The boot is of decent size too even though it is smaller than the standard 3-series.

Equipment: The Activehybrid3 comes with automatic climate control, HD radio, head-up display and xenon headlamps. You’ll have to pay extra for the M-Sport package and also the adaptive M-sport suspension which should be standard considering the Activehybrid3 starts at the same price as the entry level 5-series sedan.

Buying & owning: The only reason we really see the Activehybrid3 making sense is if you are looking for green cred or if you really want a M3 but can’t afford the running costs. It may not have the blistering performance of an M3 but it is much cheaper to buy and run. Resale value however will be outstanding thanks to the badge.

Quality & Safety: The Activehybrid3 interior feels classy and well put together. Many of the materials used feel sturdy and long lasting. BMW reliability record has been good but we do however question the long term reliability of the complex hybrid system. When it comes to safety the Activehybrid3 comes with everything you’d expect a BMW to come with in terms of safety. But for those who may not know, stability control is standard as well as a host of braking technology to help you avoid a collision.

The Activehybrid3 is one of those cars that only make sense if you are looking for green cred or trying to find a way to reduce your fuel bills without giving up the performance that you crave. It’s a great car to drive but you’ll have to add on the options to make it drive better. Plus it’s close to the entry-level 5-series sedan. If you really want a performance hybrid this is your only option otherwise we highly suggest looking at the 328d or 320i which are both cheaper and just as fuel efficient.

Likes: The most potent hybrid we have ever driven. With the right option it will drive like a dream.

Dislikes: As a hybrid it’s pointless and it’s not cheap either. We have yet to drive a BMW with standard suspension and we hear it’s quite disappointing. The 320i and 328d make more sense.

Crossovers we can't wait to test drive (Part one)

Volvo XC40 

The XC40 is just a smaller version of the XC90 and we absolutely love the way it looks from every angle. The engine that will be offered at launch will be a T5 pumping out 248hp and standard all-wheel-drive. We haven't heard much information about whether or not front-wheel-drive will be the standard form, but the starting price is very attractive ($35k) and competitive towards the Audi Q3 and BMW X1. 

Jaguar E-Pace 

Jaguar/ Land Rover have been on a bit of a design home run marathon. The new Disco and Velar are both outstanding looking 4x4s. What we loved the most is the F-Pace which took elements of the F-Type and made it work in the form of a crossover. The E-Pace, which will compete with cars like the BMW X1 and Volvo XC40 will have a very heavily competitive segment to fight in, but the 2-liter turbo four standard with 248hp and 296hp should have no trouble luring buyers who seek performance and still care about style. 

BMW X3 

The next generation of the X3 has finally made an appearance. It's been quite literally seven-years since the second generation appeared and it's been long overdue despite the few updates the X3 has received over the years. The new X3 will use the updated 2-liter turbo four pumping out 248hp (this seems to be the average horsepower) and an optional 3-liter turbo six-cylinder pumping out 355hp which will be dubbed the M version of the X3. We love the way the M-package looks on the new X3 and can't wait to test drive one when it goes on-sale. 

Maserati Levante S

We still haven't had the opportunity to test drive this crossover. We are working with someone (sources we can't name) to get our hands on the Levante. We've been told to wait for the new 3.8 twin-turbo eight-cylinder that should be arriving sometime next year. However, our goal is to test drive the more mainstream versions first prior to the high performance so we can see what buying a cheaper Levante would be like. We love the sleek styling and the interior seems to be a hit and miss on quality (we've only been able to sit in one). 

Porsche Cayenne Turbo/ Turbo S/ GT-S 

We'd love the opportunity to test drive one of the high-performance versions of the Cayenne. We've only managed to get our hands on a entry-level Cayenne with a 3.6 six-cylinder pumping out 300hp. It seems very hard to find places willing to let us test drive one, even if it's just around the corner and back. The next generation of the Cayenne is around the corner, and it looks light years better inside out. We hope that it lives up to the hype that we've read about in several reviews. 

Ford Eco Sport 

We know that it's just a crossover version of the Fiesta, but we do find the styling rather cute. The 1-liter ecoboost three-cylinder engine is the one that sparks our curiosity the most. It has less horsepower than an HRV but running costs should be lower also thanks to a turbo and high torque at low revs. This pint sized crossover should be urban friendly and has a very attractive starting price under $20k. (Sourced from Ford USA website.) 

Devon test drives a BMW X3 (Used)

The BMW X3 was considered pointless when it was first released in 2006. Now it has created a whole new segment that includes rivals from Audi, Mercedes and Volvo. This new segment is proving to be popular with American buyers, but does it prove it's worth considering over a conventional well purposed wagon? 

Performance: There are two engines available for the X3. The familiar 2-liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing 240hp and a 3-liter turbocharged six-cylinder producing 300hp. Picking between the two depends on your tastes. Our favorite is the 2-liter turbo which is the cheapest of the two and is the more sensible choice. It blends fuel economy and performance well without having to pay the premium of the six-cylinder. 

On the road: The X3 we've had came equipped with dynamic handling package. This sharpened the steering and handling. It's an optional package that is well worth the premium. This seems to be a common trait with BMWs however, we have yet to test drive one with standard suspension. Ride comfort is firm but not uncomfortable with excellent body control. The engines are quiet and smooth even when pushed hard. There's no manual gearbox like the previous generation. This may not seem like a bad thing because the manual gearbox wasn't impressive in the previous generation. 

Behind the wheel: The front seats are comfortable and offer plenty of support for drivers of all shapes and sizes. The dashboard has a minimalistic approach in design. It's easy to navigate and all the controls are clearly labeled and easy to read. The iDrive controller has been vastly improved with much simple and easy to use menus. Rear passenger space is comfortable for two, a third person may not feel as comfortable due to the large transmission tunnel. Boot space is generous as well with the rear seat in place. Fold them down and the space increases considerably for added versatility. 

Equipment: The Standard X3 comes with stop/start technology, leatherette upholstery and automatic climate control. Top of the range X3 comes with Xenon headlamps with LED daytime running lamps. 18-inch alloy wheels and a power tailgate system. You'll have to pay a rear view camera, heated front seats and variable sport steering with performance control. 

Buying & owning: The X3 is competitively priced among its rivals. You'll have to stay clear of the options list if you want your X3 to be within reasonable price levels. The Audi Q5 and Volvo XC60 are both able to cater to drivers in the same levels as the X3 but both don't offer the fun to drive factors as the X3. Then again we have yet to test drive the X3 or any BMW with standard suspension. 

Reliability & Safety: The X3 cabin materials feel upscale and long lasting. Much attention was put into the fit and finish. It may not be as classy as the Audi Q5, but it is a vast improvement over the previous generation. Reliability should be good as BMW has been vastly improving their reliability over the years. Front and side curtain airbags come standard across the range. ESP, anti-lock-brakes come standard as well as X-drive all-wheel-drive system. Deadlocks and anti-theft deterrent system comes standard to keep theft away. 

The BMW X3 is a great choice among it's keen rivals Volvo XC60 and Audi Q5. It's quite fun to drive and vastly improved over previous generation. Both engines offer plenty of oomph and the refinement is improved as well. We have yet to test drive a BMW with standard suspension and the options send the price to X5 levels. If you can ignore these few downsides the X3 is a great vehicle that's worth considering if its rivals don't tickle your fancy. 

Devon's Pick: The X3 xDrive28i is the pick of the range. The 2-liter turbo engine is all the engine you'll really need. There is plenty of pace for both city and highway driving. It may seem like the watered down version of the X3 but it makes the most sense financially. If you stay clear of the options list you'll get a decently priced X3 that's worth an extra look. 

Likes: Optional variable damper control makes the X3 more fun to drive. Quality and cabin materials are vastly improved. 

Dislikes: Options send price to X5 entry level. Large rear tunnel limits space for three. We've yet to test drive any BMW with standard suspension. 

Devon test drives a Toyota Corolla

It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out why most play it safe and buy a Toyota Corolla; but is it the best choice in a sea of compact sedans that are just as reliable and more entertaining to drive?

Performance ****

The Corolla’s sole engine is a 1.8 four-cylinder which is pretty flexible around town and on the highway. It’s not the most explosive of engines but it gets the job done, and that’s all you need in a Corolla. There are three transmission choices; four-speed automatic, 6-speed manual gearbox and a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The base trim is the only trim that gets the four-speed automatic and its best to avoid it. Both the CVT and the manual gearbox are much better choices.

Ride & handling: ***

Don’t expect the Corolla to be as fun to drive as a Mazda3 or a Volkswagen Jetta. Steering feedback is numb at best and the suspension is tuned more towards comfort rather than agility. There will be more body roll than some of its keen rivals, but the ride comfort is actually quite good even on the roughest of surfaces.

Refinement: ****

Road noise and wind noise won’t be much of an issue here in the Corolla. However, the engine can sound a bit buzzy with the CVT transmission.

Behind the wheel: ****
The Corolla’s infotainment system is pretty simple to navigate through, while some of the menus can be a bit distracting. The touch screen layout is simple and logical but the graphics and some of the technology feel old school compared to its rivals and the backup camera could use improvements. Visibility all round is pretty good too.

Space & practicality: ***
Our biggest gripe with the Corolla is the old-fashioned hinges in the boot that eats into cargo space, but the boot space is decent and average in class. Front and rear passengers won’t really have much to complain about in terms of leg and headroom. The seats are comfy and offer plenty of support and adjustments.

Equipment: ****

HID headlights with auto-off come standard on all forms, as well as Bluetooth for your mobile device. Air-con, CD-player and keyless entry are also standard across the range. Some forms you’ll have to pay extra for alloy wheels.

Buying & owning: ***

There are nine different trim levels for the Corolla! LE Plus trim seems to be the most logical choice if you want a decently priced Corolla that comes with alloy wheels and few extra goodies that you won’t find on the entry-level L trim. We actually suggest skipping the base trim altogether unless you option for the six-speed manual gearbox. The four-speed automatic that only comes in that trim is dreadful.

Safety & security: ***

Electronic stability control, anti-lock brakes both come standard. Active safety features include side curtain airbags and anti-whiplash head restraints and engine immobilizer all come standard to give you a piece of mind in terms of safety and security. Reliability won’t be much of an issue either thanks to Toyota’s spotless reliability record.

The Corolla is one of those cars you’d buy because of the badge. It is bulletproof in reliability and seems to be the most logical choice for those looking for quality and dependability. However, there are many rivals that are more fun to drive and offer the same tricks the Corolla has been famed for. It’s not a tough sell but it really isn’t the best choice neither not with rivals that are more stylish and multi-talented in the areas the Corolla fall short.

Likes: Overall build quality is rock solid and reliability is outstanding. Low running costs thanks to efficient four-cylinder engine. Interior is roomy for five and the standard kit list is pretty good.

Dislikes: Dizzying number of trims to choose from and some contradict each other. Driving experience is dull. Old-fashioned boot hinges eat into cargo space. Four-speed automatic in base trim is best avoided.

Devon’s Choice: LE Plus trim adds alloy wheels which is something most buyers will want. The LE Eco is worth considering if you value running costs but don’t want to buy a more expensive hybrid.

Pathological test drives the XC60 (Used)

Volvo has a pretty good track record when it comes to 4x4s so when Volvo launched the XC60. They claimed it was the safest and most stylish of the bunch, does that claim still hold up today? Tough gig!

Avoid the entry-level T5 and go right for the T6 as it offers hot hatch performance with the added bonus of all-wheel-drive for extra traction when needed. We know that most people won't really care for all-wheel-drive in this case however, but that 2-liter turbo four in the T5 is just okay in front-wheel-drive configuration. But we think that it's worth spending the extra cash for the T6. You can choose both engines in the Dynamic or Inscription trims. The R-design only comes with the T6 engine and all-wheel-drive, and you get a snazzy looking body-kit and larger alloys. Our tester car was the T6 AWD Dynamic which offered decent kit and managed to undercut the BMW X3, it may not be as sharpest to drive as the X3 but it certainly has an appeal that you can't really find in its German Rivals.

The XC60 doesn't drive like other crossovers, it feels more comfortable and secure which is perfectly fine with us. It's not trying to pretend to be something that it's not. Steering feedback isn't the greatest and well the suspension like we mentioned earlier is more aimed at security rather than agility. People who buy this car or are tempted to buy this car won't be doing any of the such. The engines seem smooth for the most part unless you decide to put your foot down and you'll instantly know that it is a four-cylinder under that bonnet.

The infotainment system is pretty much straight forward in approach and well it does so in the classiest way possible. It is simply Scandinavian all over and we love it! The front seats offer the comfort that you'd expect from Volvo and the second row seats are just as comfortable in legroom and headroom. The boot space is very practical and when you fold down those rear seats you've got yourself a cargo van.

The XC60 comes well kitted for the money and is pretty hard to ignore considering that you'll also get some nice discounts. Some may want to wait for the next generation of the XC60 because it is even more stylish than the outgoing model and offers updated engine options as well. The Dynamic trim we had comes with 18-inch alloys, active dual xenon headlights, front park assist, Harmon kardon premium sound system and collision warning with full auto brake and pedestrian/cyclist detection. It does push the price up a bit steeply, but when you consider the amount of kit that is comes with it you'll probably be swayed away from the Audi Q5 and BMW X3. We certainly were if we were looking for a crossover in this price category.

The new XC60 is literally around the corner and well for those who are itching for a new crossover now will love that this XC60 comes with discounted prices, even though it's an older design. We still do say consider buying one if this XC60 tickles your fancy, otherwise wait for the newer one it looks very promising.

Likes: Still classy after all these years. Standard kit is very generous and it doesn't pretend to be something it's not in driving impressions.

Dislikes: It's starting to show its age.

Our pick: Go right for the Dynamic T6 AWD. You won't regret it.