2009 GMC Yukon Hybrid: Not your typical SUV. By Daniel Souza

Before I get going on this week’s review of the loaner GMC gave us, I must ask you to remember—or learn—the meaning of the word hybrid.
“Something (as a powerplant, vehicle, or electronic circuit) that has two different types of components performing essentially the same function,” describes Merriam-Webster online dictionary service.
Now that I have laid out some foundation on what the word hybrid means, let me also share with you that the Yukon does a good job on fuel economy while housing a fully powered V8 engine for all your towing needs.


Indeed, the Yukon Hybrid is mostly unchanged from the gasoline-only models, with the exception of some exterior details, subtle interior styling and several functional modifications. There is no difference in passenger seating capacity, and towing and payload are highly competitive with other non-hybrid SUVs in the segment.
The Yukon Hybrid’s vastly improved fuel economy over gasoline-only siblings is due largely to a state-of-the-art hybrid system using GM’s all-new electrically variable transmission (EVT). Two-wheel-drive Yukon Hybrid models, for example, deliver 21 mpg in the city, a 50-percent improvement over their 5.3L non-hybrid siblings.


And before you, the reader get outrageously mad about the not-so-high, Prius-like 60 mpg, keep in mind that not many hybrids in the market can tow a boat or a trailer as well as this Yukon did.
Imagine a full-size SUV that offers 25- to 30-percent more combined city-highway fuel economy while also providing up to 6,200 pounds (2,812 kg) of usable towing capacity (2WD) and 6,000 pounds (2,722 kg) on 4WD models; 12,000 pounds (5,443 kg) GCWR and eight-passenger seating capacity.

Making all this possible is GM’s advanced EVT and 300-volt nickel-metal hydride energy storage system (ESS), which work in concert with the standard 6.0L V-8 gasoline engine with active fuel management (AFM) and late intake valve closing technology. GM’s new hybrid system not only enables the Yukon to launch and drive up to 30 mph on electricity alone, it also allows the 6.0L V-8 engine to operate in its more economical V-4 mode for longer periods.
Drivers of the new Yukon Hybrid will notice a longer front end, almost as if the hybrid wonder came with a factory-installed body kit. That is because along with active fuel management, the Yukon Hybrid uses specific aerodynamic aids and reduced-mass components to help achieve EPA ratings of 21 mpg in the city and 22 on the highway for 2WD models. That compares with ratings of 14 mpg in the city and 20 mpg on the highway for the smaller-displacement, less-powerful 5.3L base engine.


With 4WD models, the fuel savings are equally impressive, with the Yukon Hybrid rated at 20 mpg in both city and highway driving. The 5.3L base models are rated at 14 in the city and 19 on the highway.
I must add however the Yukon did struggle a couple of times during the slow down leading to a full stop. Because the vehicle is programmed to shut its gas engine off during a stoplight, GMC’s SUV seemed to ‘gasp’ while searching for a lower gear leading up to the engine shut off. That produced an uncomfortable and unexpected jerk through the vehicle, almost as if someone pressed the brake to cancel cruise control but misjudged how close the brake pedal was placed.


But overall the Yukon Hybrid proved to be a great choice for a full size SUV that sips on gas as much as Toyota Camry, but you can still can pull your boat.


Base Price - $50,495
Price as tested - $50,850

Daniel Souza can be reached at sixth.gear.herald@gmail.com

2008 Nissan Altima Coupe: Sportier than you might think.


By Daniel Souza

The Altima Coupe, which made its debut in the shadows of Hollywood at the 2006 Los Angeles Auto Show, fills a desire among target customers for a more personal expression of style, individuality and fashionable appearance. The Altima Coupe’s unique exterior design is intended to stand out in a crowd of sedan-based two-door models with magnetic, just-right proportioned styling with a shorter wheelbase, shorter overall length and lower height than the Altima Sedan.
The smaller size and lighter overall weight also contribute to the Coupe’s sportier driving feel – other desired attributes of the typically younger, more performance-oriented coupe buyers.
“Rather than just eliminating two doors from the Altima Sedan, we gave the Altima Coupe its own style, its own dimensions and its own interpretation of Nissan’s exhilarating driving pleasure,” said Bill Bosley, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division.
Dimensionally, the Altima Coupe rides on a 105.3-inch wheelbase, a full 4.0 inches shorter than the Sedan. Overall length is 182.5 inches – 7.1 inches less than the Sedan. The Coupe also has a lower profile – at 55.3 inches it is 2.5 inches shorter than the Sedan. In terms of major body panels, the two cars share only a common hood, with all other panels, grille, headlights and rear combination lights unique to the Altima Coupe.


“A strong sedan starting point, such as the new Altima, also gives you a tremendous advantage – if you get the basics right, you can focus your efforts on the unique desires of coupe buyers, including wanting a purely personal space,” said Bosley.
The Altima Coupe, as part of the fourth-generation Altima design, utilizes Nissan’s all-new, highly acclaimed “D” platform with increased body rigidity and a redesigned suspension. This new platform was developed with the objective of making Altima one of the best performing large front-wheel drive vehicles available globally.
The new Altima Coupe is offered with a choice of two engines and two transmissions. The 3.5-liter 24-valve DOHC V6 is the “next generation” version of the 12-time Ward’s “10 Best Engines” award-winning VQ-series V6. For use in the Altima Coupe, it is rated at 270 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque and offers strong acceleration and refined sound quality. The V6 features reduced friction, improved cylinder head cooling and new twin knock sensors.
Also available with the new Altima Coupe is a 2.5-liter DOHC 16-valve QR25 inline 4-cylinder, producing 175 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque. This engine has been refined from the previous version, with a larger, equal-length intake manifold, increased compression ratio and reduced friction characteristics. It features a silent chain drive and a balancer system (with balancer changed to a center-mounted location for better NVH) that effectively negates vibrations without taking up much space – combining ideal packaging and smoothness.
Both engines feature continuously variable valve timing, modular engine design, microfinished crank journals and cam lobes, molybdenum coated lightweight pistons and electronically controlled throttles.


Both the 3.5-liter V6 and 2.5-liter 4-cylinder models are available with Nissan’s advanced Xtronic CVT™ (Continuously Variable Transmission) or 6-speed manual transmissions.
The V6 CVT features a “Sport” mode controller with a high-speed central processing unit and Adaptive Shift Controller with adaptive logic for faster shifting in both normal and manual modes. The adaptive logic feature delivers the best shift pattern based on the driving environment and driver’s perceived intentions.
Also contributing to the Altima Coupe’s sporty performance feel are a standard twin-orifice vehicle-speed-sensitive power rack-and-pinion steering system and 4-wheel disc brakes with standard 4-wheel, 4-channel, 4-sensor ABS with Electronic Brake force Distribution.
The 2008 Altima Coupe will be available in four well-equipped models: 2.5 S 6MT, 2.5 S CVT, 3.5 SE 6MT, 3.5 SE CVT.
Expect 23 mpg/city - 32 mpg/hwy for the 4-cylinder version and around 19 mpg/city – 26 mpg/hwy for the 6-cylinder outfit.
The vehicle will be assembled at the Nissan North America Manufacturing Smyrna and Decherd, Tennessee plants.

Base Price - $20,570
Price as tested – $26,070

Daniel Souza can be reached at sixth.gear.herald@gmail.com

2008 Subaru Impreza Outback Sport


By Daniel Souza

Utahns certainly experience all four seasons in this state where snowy and icy roads are part of most any daily commute throughout a good portion of the year. Subaru has long been known for its all-wheel-drive vehicles, which offer superior traction and handling in inclement weather compared to many two-wheel-drive competitors. If you pay close attention to traffic on Utah’s roads you’ll notice that Subaru has won its way into more than a few driveways in this state. Pay even closer attention near any college or university and you’ll notice that the Subaru Impreza is a favorite amongst students.

Both the hatchback and the sedan versions of the Impreza always seem to have appealed mostly to a younger crowd because of their compact size and fuel efficiency, made even more attractive by sporty looks and handling. With the all-new 2008 Impreza lineup, Subaru plans to appeal to all age groups, offering something for everyone. The 2008 Subaru Impreza Outback Sport is a continued effort to keep the loyalty of the younger generation.


This new Subaru offers a seriously upgraded interior with more space, higher quality materials and a more user-friendly control layout. The Impreza Outback Sport is only available as a hatchback, and it seats five like any other Impreza. There is a long list of standard interior features including power windows and door locks, heated front seats, power mirrors, cruise control, adjustable steering column, air conditioning, anti-theft security system, and a number of cargo and storage accessories. Also standard are keyless entry, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls and cruise control buttons, a 10-speaker stereo with a 6-disc in-dash CD changer and auxiliary audio input jack, and a 60/40-split flat-folding rear seat back. Cargo volume equals 19.0 cu. ft., which more than doubles when the second row of seats is folded flat.
Also available are XM or SIRIUS satellite radio capability, and the new iPod Interface Kit. Understanding the huge popularity of iPod, Subaru is excited to tell everyone about this new option. The iPod Interface Kit offers a special, hidden docking location for your iPod in the center console. Your iPod is controlled through the factory car stereo, and is charged while in use. Turn the car off and it turns off too. Turn the car on and your playlist continues where it left off playing your music and displaying information on the vehicle’s factory stereo. Where the old Impreza was fairly basic, this new Impreza certainly offers more to its buyers.


The 2008 Impreza Outback Sport plans to keep its occupants safe with such active safety features as Daytime Running Lights, all-wheel drive, 4-wheel antilock brakes with electronic brake force distribution (EBD), Vehicle Dynamics Control, Traction Control, and Tire Pressure Monitoring System. Passive Safety features include 3-point seat belts for all occupants; dual front airbags and seat-mounted side-impact air bags for those up front, with side-curtain airbags protecting both front and rear occupants. The horizontal boxer engine provides a low center of gravity which increases vehicle stability.
So, what motivates this vehicle? The 2.5 liter, 4-cylinder SUBARU BOXER engine has proven itself to be reliable has even won some awards for its engineering and capability. Slightly improved for 2008, this carry-over powerplant generates an appropriate 170 hp and 170 lb-ft. of torque. This is not a sports car, but it was not meant to be boring either. One can choose between an automatic transmission, and a fully-synchronized 5-speed. The fuel tank holds 16.9 gallons and Subaru claims this car can achieve up to 20 mpg city, and 27 mpg on the highway burning 87 octane fuel. Disc brakes at all four corners and low-profile all-season tires mounted on 17”, 6-spoke aluminum alloy wheels give the 2008 Subaru Impreza Outback Sport the playful and sporty look Subaru’s after.
Pricing for the base Impreza starts at $17,000. The Impreza Outback Sport starts at $20,000.

Daniel Souza can be reached at sixth.gear.herald@gmail.com

2008 Nissan Xterra

By Daniel Souza

Ask most winning coaches their formula to success and the familiar adage will ring out, “Don’t change a winning recipe.” That’s precisely what Nissan has followed with the 2008 Xterra.
For the new model, enhancements include standard power windows, power locks, power mirrors, remote keyless entry and cruise control on X grade models; standard step rails, first aid kit and cargo net on S grade models; and a new Technology Package featuring Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone system, XM® Satellite Radio pre-wiring (automatic transmission models only), auto-dimming mirror with compass and an upgraded Rockford Fosgate® audio system with subwoofer (standard on SE, optional on Off-Road models).
After winning many awards here at home and abroad since its U.S. introduction with the 2000 model year, the Xterra remains a good buy for drivers that encompass a hybrid driving style: on and off road.

After driving it around the paved roads of Utah, there was something about the vehicle that seemed to beg for an off road adventure. So I set course to a friend’s house up in Idaho.
Though the roads were slippery enough to require my Collin McRae-like skills, I felt confident behind the wheel as I navigated through the snow-filled I-84 on my way to Emmett, ID.
The Xterra features a modified version of the F-Alpha platform developed for use with the full-size Nissan Titan and Armada SUV – a credential that adds to Xterra’s proven off-road capabilities.

Powering the SUV is a standard 4.0-liter DOHC V6, rated at 261 horsepower and 281 lb-ft torque. The engine is an increased displacement version of Nissan's VQ engine series found in the 350Z, Maxima and Altima. It features a longer stroke (than the 3.5-liter version) and has been specifically tuned for SUV and truck applications.


Now it was time to put Nissan’s particular Xterra tuning to the test. Unless you are a local you may not have heard of the Little Gem Cycle Park. Well, neither had I, but my friends (and their friends) insisted that the little park boasted the perfect environment.
And it sure did. With encrusted hills, unpaved roads, semi-drivable paths, all under snow, the terrain was just what I was looking for.


Offered in 4x2 or 4x4 configurations, both with standard vehicle dynamic control (VDC), the Xterra proved hungry for the unbeaten paths. The 4x4 models feature a part-time 4WD system with 2WD/4HI/4LO modes and electronically controlled transfer case.
Xterra Off-Road models include two advanced off-road technologies – Hill Descent Control (HDC) and Hill Start Assist (HSA) – as well as an electronic locking rear differential.
It felt like the Xterra had been to the park before. Driving the thing was easy and fun. It made me want more and more and more. But I had to get back to the Beehive state.


Xterra’s list of safety features and equipment includes Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (AABS), which includes dual-stage front supplemental air bags with seat belt sensors and a front occupant classification sensor, and 3-point front seat belts with pretensioners, load limiters and Zone Body construction with front and rear crumple zones.
Also available are supplemental front-seat side-impact air bags, and available roof-mounted supplemental curtain air bags for side impact and rollover protection for all outboard passengers.
But the Xterra likes your gas. Perhaps a little too much and it will keep asking for more. For the city, my loaner got a mere 15 mpg in the city and a not-so-exciting 19 mpg on the freeway.
Sure it would have been cheaper to jump in a plane and head up to Idaho, but the Xterra provided a whole lot more fun. Hands down.

Base Price - $21,230
Price as tested - $26,330

Daniel Souza can be reached at sixth.gear.herald@gmail.com

It's been awhile!

Hello friends. I know I have been busy with other things and I am now ready to get back into the swing of things.

Come back often to read a different auto review I will have posted in here every week!

And as always, don't hesitate to email me if you have any questions or suggestions.

Read on,


Daniel Souza

2008 Scion xD: A zippy alternative from A to B

By Daniel Souza

Revealed at the 2007 Chicago auto show, Toyota’s sub company Scion hopes to captivate urban-minded drivers with a smaller, gas-sipper, better-looking-than-the-xB subcompact.

The xD's futuristic exterior characterizes it as a Scion with its simple surfaces and sharp lines that flow from front to rear. The vehicle’s wide stance and accentuated wheel flares communicate the urban personality. Other styling cues that set the xD apart include a long and narrow back window, and the Scion family traits—horizontal headlamps, an integrated rectangular lower and upper grille, and turn signals built into the side mirrors.

Designers focused on a clean, comfortable and futuristic interior style. The simple dash features an instrument panel located directly in front of the driver while the center cluster—digital clock and HVAC and audio controls—flows down the center. The xD's unique, radar-like speedometer and tachometer have been consolidated into one circular gauge centered on the instrument panel. Indicator lamps, LCD fuel gauge and odometer flank the centralized gauge.

Scion’s new family addition features front bucket seats and 60/40 fold flat rear seats for a level cargo space. The rear seats can slide forward and back up to six inches for additional leg room and cargo area. In addition, they can recline ten degrees and be adjusted into five different positions, a practice needed when juggling for space in a subcompact.

But the little hatch surprises when it comes to interior room. Up front, the xD has a storage tray located beneath the steering wheel, a small box in the front of the center console for holding portable music players or cell phones, an upper and lower glove box, and driver's side change box. A hidden storage space is located below the rear cargo area.

Under the hood the xD sports a lively 1.8 L four-cylinder engine with dual variable valve timing with intelligence (VVT-i) that generates 128 horsepower.

Customers have the choice of a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic transmission. This 2ZR-FE engine features a roller rocker system and light weight piston for better fuel economy and a piston cooling oil jet for better efficiency.

Drivers will also be rocking to Scion’s Y-generation musical tastes. The xD's standard 160-watt maximum output Pioneer audio system features iPod connectivity and a mini-jack port located beneath the AC controls for easy access. This standard head unit integrates track, artist and album information from the iPod into a one-line display on the head unit's screen.

Connectivity is achieved by simply plugging the iPod into a port via a connector cable, providing outstanding sound quality through the car's stereo system and constant power to the iPod. Music is controlled through the head unit and the steering wheel audio control buttons. Scion also provided a mini-jack port that allows users to listen to non-iPod MP3 players through the xD's Pioneer speakers.

The xD's optional premium audio system adds one more feature to the standard head unit, the ability to download "skins" to play on the organic electroluminescent (OEL) screen. Customers can download images, four-second video clips and eight-second movies from Pioneer's website. In addition, Pioneer software allows customers to burn their own images and movies onto a CD and upload them onto the available head unit. The faceplate light also changes from deep orange to blue at the touch of a button.

Since many Scion customers add in-car entertainment systems to their vehicle, the xD's optional premium audio system has rear head unit outputs allowing for the addition of external amps to boost power to additional speakers and subwoofers. All head unit features remain unchanged if this feature is used.

As other Scion vehicles, the xD comes mono spec. Customers need to choose exterior color and transmission type, while the only factory option is vehicle stability control with traction control.

As for fuel efficiency, expect 27 mpg/city and 33 mpg/hwy on a 5-speed manual and 26 mpg/city and 32 mpg/hwy with an auto transmission.

Base Price - $14,550

Price as tested - $16,850

Daniel Souza can be reached at sixth.gear.herald@gmail.com or visit his blog at http://sixthgearherald.blogspot.com

AUDI R10 TDI

This is a very nicely done video.

I came across it on You Tube and wanted to share with all of you...

Considering that I got to interview the whole crew that maintains this car (including drivers) when they came to Salt Lake City's American Le Mans Series race, this video seems a bit cooler. Either way it was a well put together production.

Enjoy it!

All New Last Year, 2007 Range Rover Sport returns with refinements

By Daniel Souza

The combination of a strong V8 power, the shortest wheelbase currently offered by Land Rover North America, and a low, wide stance makes the British vehicle an attractive option for buyers that can fork out sums north of $70k.

The price tag on it may raise the hair on the back of some driver’s head, but the SUV comes packed with enough options as to almost justify writing the big check.

This more muscular-looking Range Rover comes equipped with the popular Terrain Response™ system, also present on other Land rover models. The system provides the Range Rover Sport with a competitive edge in off-road capability—if you can throw a vehicle with this premium price in a puddle of mud. I did.

After finding the perfect off-roading area nested in the heart of Provo Canyon, I decided to take this Brit to its limits. For that I needed help from an off-road expert; my father. Having played his fair share in the mud with the old FJ Cruisers in the late eighties, I knew he could add some value to the whole experience.

At first the Range Rover Sport proved to be confident and responsive. The Terrain Response™ system worked as predicted and gradually steered us through the mud-filled terrain.

Then Souza senior thought the vehicle could go through a soft, lake-like area in our off-road course. Before the adventure, we raised the SUV using the electronically controlled air springs that provide automatic leveling and three selectable ride heights—access (for entry), standard, and off-road.

The exploring began with a confident feel, but soon the Range Rover Sport started to struggle through the clay-like mix of water and dirt. Its pavement-friendly 255/50YR19 radial tires became as slippery as ice skating with only your socks. And though the Terrain Response™ system tried its best to make sense of the mud fest, it was my old man’s expertise and experience that got himself and it out of the ditch. If you plan on doing the same, may I suggest some beefy off-road tires?

But the Range Rover Sport features more than just a grown up backyard toy. Add a choice of two sophisticated V8 engines—Supercharged and naturally aspirated, four-corner independent air suspension, an electronically controlled six-speed automatic transmission, permanently engaged four-wheel drive, plus a long list of premium cabin features and the result is an SUV with a major accent on sport.

Common traits shared by the Supercharged and naturally aspirated V8s that power the Range Rover Sport are aluminum block-and-head construction, chain-driven double overhead camshafts, and four-valve combustion chambers. The 4.4-liter naturally aspirated V8 features electronically-controlled continuously-variable intake and exhaust timing and electronic throttle actuation. Peak outputs are 300 bhp at 5,500 rpm and 315 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,000 rpm.

Training an SUV to behave well both at high speeds on torturous, undulating pavement and while traversing challenging off-road terrain is no mean feat. To advance the Range Rover Sport to a new level of dynamic capability, Land Rover engineers dug deep and employed the best available technology.

To match stopping power with acceleration and speed, both Range Rover Sport models are equipped with high-capacity four-wheel vented disc brakes. Four-piston front disc brakes supplied by Brembo ® are standard on the Supercharged model and optional (with Dynamic Response in the Dynamic Response Package) on the HSE. The parking brake is electronically applied by simply pulling a small console lever.

As for interior amenities, the Range Rover Sports can please both the luxury-demanding (think Oak dark wood or light Cherry Wood trim, soft Lux or sport leather trimmed upholstery) as well as the tech-driver (Personal Telephone Integration System with Bluetooth ® capability, a nice male or female British accented voice, GPS navigation, etc.)

As for gas mileage, the old adage comes true: if you have to ask, you can’t afford.

Base Price - $57,250

Price as tested - $70,250

Daniel Souza can be reached at sixth.gear.herald@gmail.com or visit his blog at http://sixthgearherald.blogspot.com

2007 Land Rover LR3

By Daniel Souza

With interior changes only for 2007, the boxy SUV continues to wow critics (by snatching 25 awards in U.S. product reviews) and captivate drivers (the smart Terrain Response boasts the LR3 with some brain behind all of its muscle) making the vehicle as reliable as British teatime.

The European utility earns a touch of class for 2007 with four popular features—leather trimmed upholstery, a power glass sunroof, a 240-watt harman/kardon^® sound system, and steering wheel touch controls—as standard LR3 equipment.

Three models are offered: the LR3 V6 SE is powered by a 216 bhp 4.0-liter V6 while both the V8 SE and the V8 HSE are powered by a 300 bhp 4.4-liter DOHC V8.

The V8 option will enable the driver with an extra, sometimes needed hmmph, where the V6 can be a little more (and I mean very little) conservative on sipping on gas. Or as the English would say, it has proper petrol consumption.

The soul of the LR3 is attributed to its off-road competence. The vehicle comes equipped with Terrain Response™ that automatically adjusts a whole host of electronically controlled systems to suit driving conditions.

At the touch of a knob on the center console, the driver commands the LR3 to orchestrate a series of decisions made by the vehicle.

The LR3 then manages the engine’s throttle response, the transmission’s shift characteristics (and gear selection), the center differential’s operation (and if equipped, the rear differential also), the air suspension, and many dynamic systems including DSC, 4ETC, and HDC, for maximum traction, stability, and control.

The Oreo-sized button can point to 5 different settings: general, grass/gravel/snow, mud/ruts, sand, or rock crawl.

Grass/gravel/snow will maximize traction on firm but slippery surfaces. Wet leaves and grass or hard-packed snow and ice are the perfect conditions for this setting.

As for mud/ruts, this setting can make a dramatic difference on soft, wet ground where some degree of wheelspin is important in order to maintain momentum. Since low range is recommended for this program, the driver will be prompted to switch the transfer gearbox selector when you select this program.

When left on general, Terrain Response™ is never off, and the general setting is compatible with all on- and off-road conditions. Think of this as being comparable to the "automatic" setting on a digital camera.

As for sand or rock crawl mode, let’s just hope you don’t have to go there. If you do, just make sure that you have your owner’s manual nearby.

Graced with all the diversity in terrain response, what truly dropped my jaw (and everyone else that drove it) was when the driver took the feet of the gas pedal. The LR3 calls it Hill Descent Control, or HDC. Easily switched on or off by a bright yellow sign also located in the center console, this setting does the braking for you.

“It’s like driving on-road when we actually are completely in off-road terrain,” said SUV enthusiast Erin Masihdas of Salt Lake City.

To ensure safety, hill descent automatically limits forward speed to 2.2 mph in low range and 3.7 mph in high range.

Now, a few paragraphs back I said that the V6 engine option can offer proper petrol consumption. I would like to ratify such statement by reminding that proper consumption on the V6 happens only when compared with the LR3’s optional V8. The difference comes with a mere extra 1 mpg in highway consumption.

The rectangular-shaped SUV pleases off-road, but it disappoints at the pump with a 14 mpg city and 19 mpg hwy (V6) and 14 mpg city and 18 mpg highway (V8).

Base price - $42,150

Price as tested - $53,950

Daniel Souza can be reached at sixth.gear.herald@gmail.com or visit his blog at http://sixthgearherald.blogspot.com

2007 Honda Fit vs. 2007 Nissan Versa: Battle of the Subcompacts

By Daniel Souza

On a constant effort in providing drivers with options to dodge ever rising gas prices, Nissan and Honda add small hatchbacks to their lineup hoping to win big on the battle for a presence in the under-$20K entry vehicle.

The two Japanese makers aren’t fighting alone. The industry realized—some sooner than others—that city-minded drivers want something zippy, economical and something they can brag about to friends.

But to earn drivers’ bragging right is not as easy as it may seem. The entry level market boasts competition from every side. It helped boost the once not-so-popular Korean vehicles (think Hyundai, Kia and Suzuki), it still boasts another tough Japanese competitor (think Toyota Yaris) and it is getting a big push from some a domestic maker, like the Chevy Aveo.

Both Nissan and Honda hope to lure buyers to their sub-compacts with their reputation. Both vehicles are less than a year old to the market. But both of them have proven good business abroad.

The Nissan five-door received its name to reflect its "versatile space" provided by the roomy interior and cargo area. In creating the Versa packaging, the design and engineering teams at Nissan found a way to put a big interior in a small car. The interior length, front to back, is over six feet long.

The Fit doesn’t stay behind though. Dimensionally compact on the outside, the interior provides a surprisingly large passenger and cargo space. At the foundation is the Fit's Magic Seat®, an innovative 60/40 split rear seat that allows the seat backs to fold down or the seat bottoms to flip up, providing five distinct seating and cargo carrying configurations. With all seats in the upright position, passenger volume measures 90.1 cubic feet (slightly less than an Accord Coupe's passenger volume) with 21.3 cubic feet of cargo capacity behind the second row.

Though there’s ample space inside, don’t expect big numbers in engine performance. Both vehicles house a conservative four-cylinder engine that will gasp for a shorter gear when going through a long steep hill (such as the famous point of the mountain).

The Fit boasts a 1.5-liter SOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder VTEC engine generating 109 horsepower at 5800 rpm and 105 foot-pounds of torque at 4800 rpm. The Versa on the other hand comes in first here with a 1.8-liter DOHC inline 4-cylinder turning 122 horsepower and 127 foot-pounds of torque.

The Versa’s engine is powerful and responsive, but it also delivers excellent fuel economy. Estimated fuel economy is 30 mpg city/36 mpg highway with the CVT transmission, 30 mpg city/34 mpg highway with the 6-speed manual transmission, and 28 mpg city/34 mpg highway with the 4-speed automatic transmission.

It beats Honda’s Fit. The three-lettered hatch delivers an estimated 28mpg city/34 highway when mated to a manual five-speed, 27 mpg city/35 mpg highway equipped with a regular five-speed automatic and 27 mpg city/34 mpg highway with its sporty S5 automatic.

On the other hand Honda’s Fit brags a top five-star safety rating for frontal crash performance from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The Versa stays behind here, earning only a four-star rating for frontal crash. As for side crash the Versa earns a top five-star rating while the Fit gets a five-star rating only for front seats. Rear seats received a mere three-star rating as reported by the NHTSA’s safercar.gov.

Though the Fit is a great option as a subcompact, it was the Versa that was fitted with first place having best overall feel and handling, gas consumption and safer option, all with a stronger engine. But before buying any of these, take the time to do a thorough research. It always pays off.

Honda Fit	Nissan Versa
Base price - $13,850	Base price - $12,550
Price as tested - $15,970	Price as tested - $16,550

Daniel Souza can be reached at sixth.gear.herald@gmail.com or visit his blog at http://sixthgearherald.blogspot.com

Motors revved up for competition in Tooele

By Daniel Souza

TOOELE – Porsche’s Sascha Maassen and Ryan Briscoe claimed an almost predictable career-first overall win at the fifth race in the American Le Mans Series at Miller Motorsports Park this past Saturday.

A gamble on fuel strategy paid off and gave the team and Porsche its third straight overall victory in the American Le Mans Series with a 10-second victory over Audi's Allan McNish.

"The gas was a bit of concern, but the engineers in the box told me what number to conserve to and they were working with me on that," said Australian native Briscoe, who scored his second career class win.

The Penske team lengthened its final fuel load while Briscoe took the lead in the No. 6 LMP2 Porsche RS Spyder with 40 minutes to go when McNish pitted his diesel-powered No. 1 LMP1 Audi R10 TDI for a final splash.

"On my second lap of the stint I was saving a lot of fuel. They kept me updated as we were going. We knew we at least had the second-place buffer. After the first yellow flag Roger called the best strategy, which put us in the right place," said Briscoe.

The Aussie drove the final 75 minutes relying on a single set of tires and tank of fuel. The sister Penske Porsche of Timo Bernhard and Romain Dumas won overall at Long Beach and Houston. Maassen was one of six cars to pit at the 18-minute mark following an early caution period when a GT2 car became stranded on the track.

But with four different races within the same race, it was Tomas Enge and Darren Turner’s GT2 Ferrari F430 GT that snapped a four-race winning streak for Risi Competizione and its No. 62 Ferrari—also a F430.

The championship-leading car of Jaime Melo and Mika Salo broke a driveshaft with a little more than an hour to go. It was an ill-fated result as the car failed to complete 70 percent of the overall winner's laps to receive points.

And Vegas-based Petersen Motorsports seemed to have a winning plan, besides adversity. Switching from their traditional Porsche entries to the Ferrari F430 GT, the team relied on its driver duo to bring the win home.

“I knew I couldn’t go more than an hour because of my physical condition, but what a nice car to drive,” exclaimed a grinning Enge who two months earlier had smacked the outside wall in St. Petersburg, FLA, suffering a concussion, injuring his ribs, partially collapsing his lungs and fracturing an elbow.

“My worry was on how well I would do. I have to thank everybody for this result,” said Enge who raced with a protective brace on his left forearm.

“When you see a team do what these guys go, it gives you a tremendous lift,” said Enge.

Many of the ALMS teams that competed at Miller Motorsports Park will race next in the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans on June 16-17. The next ALMS race will be the American Le Mans Northeast Grand Prix on Saturday, July 7 at Connecticut’s Lime Rock Park.

*Photos by Jeremy Henrie

Porsche aims to continue success streak with Utah Grand Prix

Successful start for the Porsche RS Spyder into the 2007 American Le Mans Series: After claiming overall victories in Long Beach and Houston as well as three class wins from the first four races this season, the Penske Motorsports and Dyson Racing teams are keen to continue this success streak in Salt Lake City, in the state of Utah, where the Winter Olympics took place in 2002. The fifth round of the American Le Mans Series, the series with the world's fastest sportscars, takes off here on Saturday.

Located in Miller Motorsport Park, the 7.240 kilometre circuit is not only the longest on the American Le Mans Series calendar but with its 24 corners is one of the most demanding. “A great challenge,“ enthuses title defender Sascha Maassen (Germany), who celebrated class victory and fastest race lap here one year ago at the premiere on the brand new circuit. “It's easy to lose one or two tenths of seconds over the long laps here, so it's very important to concentrate over the entire race distance and avoid making the slightest mistake."

At the second American Le Mans Series race here in Salt Lake City, four RS Spyders roll to the start. The Porsche-supported Penske Motorsports team runs two of the Weissach built sports prototypes: Sascha Maassen and Ryan Briscoe (Australia) man the RS Spyder with starting number 6. Sharing driving duties in the #7 RS Spyder are Timo Bernhard (Germany) and Romain Dumas (France). The duo celebrated two consecutive overall victories within one week at the street races in Long Beach and Houston and with these sensational results took over the drivers championship lead in the LMP2 category.

The US-based Dyson Racing team runs two RS Spyders with assistance from Porsche. Manning the #16 vehicle are Andy Wallace (Great Britain) and Butch Leitzinger (USA), who finished third behind Sascha Maassen and Ryan Briscoe in Long Beach, making the historic triple victory complete for Porsche. Taking up the race in the #20 RS Spyder are Chris Dyson (USA) and Guy Smith (Great Britain).For Hartmut Kristen the race in Salt Lake City holds very special challenges: “After contesting the last three races on very narrow and bumpy city circuits we're now back on a real race track. The cards will be reshuffled,” says the head of motorsport at Porsche. For Kristen, the key to success on this flowing circuit, which from it's characteristics is more comparable to European tracks, is not the pure engine output but the aerodynamic efficiency and stability in the many fast corners. The heat as well can not be underestimated, albeit with the race taking place earlier compared to last year temperatures are expected to be less extreme. He concludes: “This race puts extreme stresses on man and machine, particularly in the fiercely-contested LMP2 category. Spectators can expect a gripping and dramatic race.”

In the equally tough GT2 class for slightly modified near-standard sportscars, Porsche is strongly represented. In Salt Lake City, reigning ALMS GT2 champion Joerg Bergmeister (Germany) together with team mate Johannes van Overbeek (USA) are keen to secure their first class victory of the 2007 season at the wheel of their 911 GT3 RSR fielded by Flying Lizard Motorsports. Recently in Houston the duo finished second ahead of Wolf Henzler (Germany) and Robin Liddell (Great Britain), who will team up in a Tafel Racing 911 GT3 RSR for the Salt Lake City round. Amongst the circle of favourites are also Ralf Kelleners (Germany) and Tom Milner (USA) sharing the cockpit of a 911 GT3 RSR fielded by the famed Rahal Letterman Racing team.The race in Salt Lake City gets underway on Saturday, 19 May at 5pm and runs over 2:45 hours. For ticket information, please visit Miller Motorsports Park. See you there!