Suzuki may not be the most popular or well known automaker in the US, but that should not keep you from taking a look at their newest product. Introduced in 2010,  the Kizashi is now available in four trim levels: The base S, SE, Sport GTS, and Sport SLS.  All trim levels can be had with either front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). However, if you choose AWD, you can only get the continuously variable transmission (CVT).  The FWD manual starts at $18,999 and the top trim level Sport SLS AWD w/NAV is $28, 948.  After reading this in Motor Trend, I knew this car could be a game-changer for them.  I had to drive one to find out. I drove the 2011 Suzuki Kizashi Sport SLS AWD, with the CVT and paddle shifters. This model is loaded with a 425-watt Rockford Fosgate stereo with Bluetooth, heated leather seats with memory, heated side mirrors, power sunroof, auto headlights, auto rain-sensing wipers, parking sensors, 18-inch aluminum wheels, sport suspension and sport steering wheel with audio and cruise controls. The only additional available option on my test car was navigation.  Standard on all Kizashi’s is Keyless push-button ignition, USB port, front and rear side-impact airbags, side curtain airbags, dual zone climate control, and led interior lighting. The exterior of the car is very nice for the price point with tight body gaps and a quality appearance. The chrome add-ons, aggressive stance, and sporty trunk lid lip are all complimentary to the main body lines of the car.  Inside the car has an even higher quality look and feel. The doors have a solid ‘thunk’ when closing them and the fit and finish inside is top notch for the price.  My first impression was, “Wow, I can’t believe this is a Suzuki!”. The front seats are among the most comfortable I’ve experienced, with eight-way power adjustments, power lumbar, and the aforementioned memory.  Entry into the backseat is a less than perfect requiring one to duck inside due to the low roof line, but once in the back, the seats are extremely comfortable and average-sized adults will fit just fine.  Overall the interior feels like you are in a much more expensive car. After pressing the push-button ignition to start it, the engine runs very smoothly and sounded...

BMW of North America today announced a modest inflationary price increase effective January 1, 2012. The Destination and Handling fee for all models will be increased to $895 on that date as well. This increase is less than one percent and applies to the models listed in the table below. In these tough economic times a careful balance was attained between the competitive situation, inflationary conditions, and market realities. See the table below. Model Current  MSRP MSRP as of Jan. 1, 2012 Change 128i Coupe $31,925 $32,095 $170 135i Coupe $40,025 $40,195 $170 128i Convertible $37,575 $37,795 $220 135i Convertible $44,775 $44,995 $220 328i Sports Wagon $38,125 $38,395 $270 328i xDrive Sports Wagon $40,125 $40,395 $270 328i Coupe $39,375 $39,595 $220 328i xDrive Coupe $41,075 $41,295 $220 335i Coupe $45,775 $45,995 $220 335i xDrive Coupe $47,475 $47,695 $220 335is Coupe $52,775 $52,995 $220 M3 Coupe $60,775 $60,995 $220 328i Convertible $48,275 $48,495 $220 335i Convertible $54,475 $54,695 $220 335is Convertible $61,475 $61,695 $220 M3 Convertible $69,425 $69,645 $220 Model Current MSRP MSRP as of Jan. 1, 2012 Change 528i Sedan $47,525 $47,795 $270 528i xDrive Sedan $49,875 $50,095 $220 535i Sedan $53,125 $53,395 $270 535i xDrive Sedan $55,425 $55,695 $270 550i Sedan $62,575 $62,895 $320 550i xDrive Sedan $64,875 $65,195 $320 535i GT $57,675 $57,895 $220 535i xDrive GT $59,975 $60,195 $220 550i GT $66,675 $66,895 $220 550i xDrive GT $68,975 $69,195 $220 X3 xDrive28i $37,725 $37,995 $270 X3 xDrive35i $43,275 $43,595 $320 X5 M $87,775 $88,145 $370 X6 xDrive35i $60,175 $60,495 $320 X6 xDrive50i $70,775 $71,095 $320 X6 M $90,875 $91,195 $320 All prices include the destination and handling charge ($875 currently, $895 as of January 1, 2012). All price sheets will be updated on the BMW PressClub US and BMWUSANews as of January 1st, 2012 to reflect the change. [Source: BMW ] Read the original here:  BMW Announces Price Adjustment in the US

General Motors has announced pricing for the new 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco will start at $25,995, including the $760 destination charge. A mild hybrid, the Malibu Eco features an eAssist battery electric-gasoline propulsion system that enables regenerative braking, electric assist, and start-stop functionality for improved fuel economy. GM estimates 26 mpg city and 38 highway. The Malibu Eco will be powered by a direct-injection 182-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with continuously variable valve timing. It is mated with a six-speed automatic transmission. The sedan will be the first Chevrolet to have the MyLink connectivity, which integrates online services such as Internet-based radio on the go. Four option packages will be available, including premium audio, leather, and navigation. A power convenience package adds a backup camera, power driver seat, and remote start. All packages include a sunroof. The Malibu Eco is the first trim to be offered on the redesigned sedan, which goes on sale in early 2012. The rest of the Malibu trim lines (LS, LT, and LTZ) will be available in the summer of 2012. Original post: Pricing: 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco to start at under $26,000

BMW of North America just released information on the pricing, options and packages for the new 2012 BMW 3 Series . As we announced before, the base price of the 2012 328i Sedan is $34,900 and the 335i Sedan is $42,400. This represents a $300 and $350 base price increases versus the outgoing model. The 3 Series now includes standards features such as 6.5” display with iDrive controller, Bluetooth connectivity, USB/iPod interface, 8-Speed Automatic Transmission, Automatic Start/Stop, Dynamic Driving Control with ECO PRO Mode, Brake Energy Regeneration, and a 1” standard wheel size increase. The Modern Line (ZML) and Luxury Line (ZLL) will sell for an additional $2,100 for the 328i and $1,400 for the 335i model.  The Sport Line (ZSL) will make you spend $2,500 for the 328i and $1,700 for 335i. The options and features included in the three lines are as follows: Luxury Line (ZLL) – requires ZPP 255 Sports leather steering wheel 2H2 18″ light alloy wheels Multi-spoke style 416 or 2A4 19″ light alloy wheels Double-spoke style 401 with mixed tires + $900 (335i only) 4CE Anthracite Wood Trim or 4B8 Burl Walnut Trim with Inlay 4DM Pearl Gloss Chrome Highlight Trim 7S2 Luxury Line aesthetic elements LCLZ Black Dakota Leather with exclusive stitching or LCLX Saddle Brown Dakota Leather with exclusive stitching or LCLY Venetian Beige Dakota Leather with exclusive stitching Modern Line (ZML) – requires ZPP 255 Sports leather steering wheel 2P5 18″ light alloy wheels Turbine styling 415 or 2A4 19″ light alloy wheels Double-spoke style 401 with mixed tires + $900 (335i only) 4AD Brushed Aluminum Trim or 4DT Pearl Trim (P1) or 4DD Textured Pure Wood Trim 4DM Pearl Gloss Chrome highlight Trim 7S1 Modern Line aesthetic elements LCL9 Oyster Dakota Leather with Dark Oyster highlight or LCL8 Black Dakota Leather with Dark Oyster highlight (P1) Sport Line (ZSL) 255 Sports leather steering wheel 2A5 18″ light alloy wheels Double-spoke styling 397 or 2A4 19″ light alloy wheels Double-spoke style 401 with mixed tires + $900 (335i only) 3BE Black mirror caps 481 Sport seats 4AT High-Gloss Black Trim or 4AD Brushed Aluminum Trim 4DN Matte Coral Red highlight Trim or 4DL High-Gloss Black highlight Trim 704 Sport Suspension or 2VF Adaptive...

Click to enlarge On Monday we presented this week’s shifter and asked you to identify the make and model of the vehicle from whence it came. Several of you recognized the car as an Oldsmobile Achieva, but the first commenter to correctly identify it as the sporty SCX model was Chris Domenichello. Chris will receive a Save the Manuals button and sticker as a reward. The SCX pictured here is from our December 1992 issue. It was powered by a high-output version of GM’s 2.3-liter “Quad 4” four-cylinder engine. The motor boasted a 7000-rpm redline and produced 185 hp—respectable even today. In addition to the Quad 4 and a five-speed manual, the SCX also—somewhat surprisingly—featured computer-controlled dampers with cockpit-adjustable ride settings. In our testing, we found the Oldsmobile to be grippy and balanced, although its engine was a bit loud. Read more from the original source: Name That Shifter, No. 51: 1993 Oldsmobile Achieva SCX Here is the original post: Name That Shifter, No. 51: 1993 Oldsmobile Achieva SCX

We were invited to a ride-and-drive event sponsored by Mazda through the scenic Angeles National Forest on the eve of the LA Auto Show to sample the company’s new small SUV, the 2013 CX-5 . First impressions: It looks pretty good. The driving route showed that the CX is relatively agile. It goes without saying that the CX-5 zooms way past the vehicle it’s replacing, the ancient Tribute. (Its Ford Escape twin is also new for 2013.) We also think that it may make the larger, but less roomy, CX-7 superfluous. Think of the CX-5 as a bigger Mazda3 hatchback with extra utility and still-sporty character. Although on paper the 155-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine may look a little puny, on the road it proved amply responsive for most situations. The six-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly and quickly drops a ratio or two when you need more power. A manual-shift override feature provides rev-matching in downshifts, adding to driving involvement. Handling is the CX-5’s forte. It hustles through corners with gusto, and the body maintains an even keel even when upping the pace. The electrically-assisted steering feels quick and well-weighted and transmits decent feedback. Body control over undulations is tight and buttoned down. While the ride is compliant and the suspension absorbs urban bumps quite well, there was noticeable choppiness on California’s concrete-slab highways. Then again, on those roads a BMW X5 also rides a bit rough. While the cabin seems reasonably quiet, we didn’t have any competing models on hand to drive back-to-back on the same roads to judge. Some road and engine-rev noise permeates, but overall the noise levels seem relatively subdued and unobjectionable. The interior is not particularly upscale, but the soft dash-top adds some class. The center-dash vents are rather low, allowing air blow at your elbows instead of face. Controls are straight forward. The seats are firm, supportive, and nicely bolstered without feeling confining. The spacious rear seat has surprisingly generous leg room. You can expand the cargo area by folding the 40/20/40-split rear seat. The seatbacks fold flat and folding the mid-section helps you carry long objects while still retaining seating for four. The overall takeaway is that...

Today at High Gear Media, we drive the 2012 Acura TL and review the 2012 Porsche 911. TrueCar reveals automotive Black Friday bargains and Chevrolet prices the 2013 Malibu Eco. All this and more in today’s car news, right here on The Car Connection. We drove the 2012 Acura TL and love the responsive super handling all-wheel drive system. Taking a… Original post:  2012 Acura TL Driven, Thanksgiving Recipe, Black Friday: Car News Headlines

Chrysler has announced the recall of certain Fiat 500 and Dodge Journey models built for the 2012 model year. All 340 vehicles affected were assembled between October 24 and October 26, 2011, and may contain contaminated brake fluid. Vehicles in question may have power steering fluid, or a mixture of brake fluid and power steering fluid, in the… Original post:  Chrysler Recalls 2012 Fiat 500 And 2012 Dodge Journey Models

Over the summer, we saw Ford take a tumble in customer satisfaction rankings — not because of mechanical problems in its vehicles, but because of its MyFord Touch and SYNC systems, which many consumers found difficult to use. A new study from J.D. Power indicates that Ford isn’t alone and that similar technology problems are causing frustration… Excerpt from:  Hate Your Navigation System? J.D. Power Says You’re Not Alone

Monday’s the big day–when High Gear Media names the winners of our three Best Car To Buy 2012 awards. While MotorAuthority mulls over the likes of the Benz SLS AMG, and GreenCarReports debates the merits of the Mitsubishi i, TheCarConnection has a different task at hand: winnowing down the pool of 25 eligible cars, crossovers and SUVs to a single… View post:  Best Car To Buy 2012 Nominees: Rio, Evoque, Mazda3, Mazda5, C-Class

We’ve said it before, and now we can say it again: Generation Y doesn’t care much for cars. The latest proof comes from research firm Gartner, in a new study to be released next month. We first noticed the Millennial/motor vehicle mismatch in Japan, which should’ve given us an inkling of what was to come on this side of the Pacific. Japanese youth… More here: New Study Offers More Proof That Gen Y Just Isn’t That Into Cars

General Motors is recalling about 5,220 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon pickup trucks, said the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration today. Certain models in both 2012 compact truck lines have faulty electronics that may not warn of incompletely latched seat belts which will fail to protect drivers during collisions. According to NHTSA, the problem has been traced to ill-fitting electrical connections in the drivers’ seat belts. The loose connections may cause the trucks’ seat belt warning systems to operate intermittently, a violation of federal vehicle safety standards. By the end of November, GM will begin notifying customers affected by this recall which it has identified as safety recall number 11322. Owners of recalled 2012 Chevrolet Colorado and GM Canyon pickup trucks will have the faulty seat belt buckle electronics replaced free of charge. For more information, consumers can call the toll-free customer support telephone lines (Chevrolet: 800-630-2438 GMC: 866-996-9463) or visit the NHTSA website: www.SaferCar.gov . Recall: 2012 Chevrolet Colorado / GMC Canyon – Front seat belts Campaign ID# 11V552000 [NHTSA] More here:  GM recalls 2012 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon pickup trucks for faulty seat belt electronics

Alabama’s complex and controversial new immigration laws don’t leave police with a lot of room for interpretation. If you’re stopped and can’t produce documentation, you go to jail until you can prove your identity (and nationality), or until you sit before a judge. The law is applied to all, even visiting managers from… Go here to read the rest:  Alabama Immigration Law Leads To Arrest Of Mercedes Manager

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has issued a recall warning for the 2012 Fiat 500 compact car and 2012 Dodge Journey midsize SUV. Certain models of both vehicles from the Chrysler Motor Corp. may have been assembled with contaminated brake fluid which can lead to loss of stopping power. According to NHTSA, about a total of 340 Fiat 500 and Dodge Journeys may have this bad hydraulic brake fluid which deteriorates the vehicles’ brake seals. If the seals fail and there is a loss of braking power, the risk of a collision increases, warns the federal safety agency. In December, Chrysler will begin to notify affected owners to bring their vehicle into a local dealership. Mechanics there will replace free of charge the bad brake fluid and all of the brake components that have come into it. For more information, consumers can contact Chrysler’s toll-free customer support line (800-853-1403) or visit the NHTSA website: www.SaferCar.gov . Recall: 2012 Fiat 500 / 2012 Dodge Journey – Brakes Campaign ID# 11V550000 [NHTSA] Read more here: Recall: 2012 Fiat 500 and Dodge Journey for bad brake fluids

Nissan and Daimler are finishing up plans to have a plant in Mexico which will cost a round $1 billion. With Nissan taking care of the construction cost and Daimler will take the capital of operating the facility. According to AutoNews.com , the plant should be producing around 200,000 vehicles and will start its operations in the first half of 2014. Nissan spokesperson said, “We have made no announcements concerning adding manufacturing capacity in Mexico and have nothing further to add at this time.” Even Daimler have not commented on the plans. There’s one thing that David Reuters said though, “Nissan continues to grow throughout the world and in order to reach the objectives of our strategic business plan, Nissan Power 88, we continue to study opportunities to install additional capacity in key markets.” So I guess we’ll just have to wait for the official announcement, which if the reports are true, can be around early next year. Source: AutoNews.com Original post:  Daimler and Nissan Looking at Creating a Plant in Mexico