Here it is, better late than never: Our long-term Honda Insight November update. Thanksgiving was a milestone in our twelve-month test: Our first road trip. I knew getting two adults, two kids, a dog and luggage into a subcompact Insight was going to be a squeeze, but I didn't know exactly how much squeezing would need to be done. How'd it go? Find out in my 2010 long-term Honda Insight November 2009 update. -- Aaron Gold
Related:
Photo © Honda
Whenever a brand-new model comes out, I usually post a long-form review -- you know, the big one with First Glance, In the Driver's Seat, etc. But in the case of the 2010 Audi A5 Cabriolet, the truth is that I don't have a whole heck of a lot to say. Or maybe I do have a lot to say, but it doesn't take a whole lot of space to say it. Check out what few words I've devoted to Audi's new convertible in my 2010 Audi A5 Cabriolet test drive. And if that leaves you wanting more, I've got plenty of pix in my 2010 Audi A5 Cabrio photo gallery. -- Aaron Gold
Related:
Photo © Aaron Gold
One of the most interesting reveals of the Los Angeles Auto Show has to be the 2011 Buick Regal. The new Regal is basically a rebadged version of the European-market Opel Insignia, just as the Saturn Aura was a rebadged Opel Vectra. Basically, all GM did to Buickize the car was slap on some Buick bling (badges, grille, and those stupid portholes).
But the Regal sure as hell looks great on paper: 182 horsepower 2.4 liter direct-injected four-cylinder for starters, with a 220 hp 2-liter turbo engine as an option. The turbo model will offer an optional 6-speed manual (a 6-speed automatic comes standard) and three driving modes that adjust suspension, steering, transmission and throttle response.
Clearly, this has the potential to be a great sport sedan. The powertrains sound fantastic and I know from previous experience that GM can build suspensions that can hang with the best in the world. I have no doubt that if a car of this description came from Audi or Honda or Saab or Suzuki, or even Saturn, everyone would praise it to high heaven.
But it's coming from Buick.
The way I see it, one of two things could happen. One, the car could totally change Buick's image, like the Navigator did for Lincoln and the Escalade and CTS did for Cadillac. Or, two, people just won't accept it as a Buick, and the car will fall flat on its nose. What do you think will happen? Click the "comments" link below and share your thoughts, oh autointelligentsia! -- Aaron Gold
Take a closer look at the Regal: 2011 Buick Regal photo gallery
Photo © General Motors
The Los Angeles Auto show is a lot like the 2009 model year: Quiet. There were some notable new introductions, including the Buick Regal, the Ford Fiesta sedan, the Toyota Sienna minivan and the gorgeous Hyundai Sonata, as well as some interesting tidbits for auto enthusiasts, like the Mustang V6 and the Subaru STI Special Edition.
But there were also an awful lot of concepts and new products that were previously revealed at other shows, and several absences. Nissan and Infiniti don't have a booth, and the concourse triangle -- traditionally home to Ferrari's gorgeous cars flanked by gorgeous models -- stands sadly empty. "It can easily cost seven figures to have a display and a press conference at the LA Auto Show," Steve Keyes, Director of Public Relations for Volkswagen of America, told me. "But it's worth it, because around 70% of the people who come to auto shows are considering a purchase in the near term, between 6 months and a year."
The attitude of the automakers seems to be cautious optimism -- though clearly beaten down by the lousy economy, many were seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. Check out my Los Angeles Auto Show photo gallery, and if you're interested in visiting the show yourself, my Visitor's Guide to the LA Auto Show will tell you everything you need to know, including how and where to get discount tickets. The show is open to the public today through December 13th.
Photo © Dwane Ferry
