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2 | BANGOR DAILY NEWS | Monday | February 21, 2011

2011 Toyota Sienna carries seven or eight people in style

By Brian Swartz SPECIAL SECTIONS EDITOR

Painted a South Pacific Pearl, the 2011 Toyota Sienna XLE that I’m driving across rural Brewer represents top-of-the-line people moving as designed by Toyota engineers. They’ve created a stylish, well-equipped, and fun-to-drive minivan that can haul seven or eight people.

Available in nine exterior hues and five trim levels, the ’11 Sienna offers two engines: a 2.7-liter DOHC four-cylinder and a 3.5-liter DOHC V6. Either engine delivers the power: The four-cylinder develops 187 horses, the V6 266 horses.

Both are mated to a six-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with overdrive.

Horsepower means the Sienna can “step out” when the driver “steps on it,” as I discover while accelerating to the Lambert Road speed limit. The Sienna XLE comes standard with the V6, a feature that I recommend for any driver hauling several people; the additional weight creates drag, which the powerful V6 offsets.

During a winter where snow apparently falls every three days, the optional active torque control all-wheel drive helps keep the Sienna on the road, not in the snow bank, where a non-Toyota sport utility unexpectedly wound up in my neighborhood a few weeks ago. Not available on the base Sienna and SE, AWD is optional on the LE, XLE, and Limited.

“It’s the only minivan available with all-wheel drive,” said Eric Turner, a Downeast Toyota sales rep who explains to me the Sienna’s popularity. “It has a viscous coupling, so it has traction front and rear as needed. You’re gearing it like a car, which saves [vehicle] weight and improves mileage.”

He indicated that the V6 also powers the Avalon and Camry, also available at Downeast Toyota in Brewer. The 2011 Sienna “has lines similar to the Venza, which is a crossover vehicle,” Turner said.

Depending on its interior configuration, a 2011 Sienna can transport seven or eight people. Unique to the LE and XLE is an optional factory-installed Auto Access Seat; located on the Sienna’s second row of seats, this seat extends beyond the open sliding door. According to a Sienna brochure, the Auto Access Seat was “designed for anyone who may need assistance getting in or out of a vehicle.” A passenger can ease into the seat, which then retracts into the Sienna’s cabin like a wheelchair lift retracting into a bus.

Other passenger-friendly features available on different 2011 Sienna trim levels include rear-seat entertainment, a voice-activated touch-screen DVD navigation system (a package component on the XLE and Limited), leather seat surfaces, heated seats, and Panorama Camera (also an XLE and Limited package component).

The Sienna rides smoothly and quietly on rural roads as Brewer transitions into Eddington. I enjoy good visibility fore and aft and really like the comfortable leather seating.

The Sienna corners well, as I learned after turning into the rectangular corners found in Brewer’s Parkway North neighborhoods. Stop sign here, 90-degree turn there, another 90-degree turn to another stop sign: Power steering certainly comes in handy — and electric power steering, available on all Siennas except for the SE, “gives you much smoother turning,” Turner said. Sport-calibrated electric power steering is standard on the SE. All too soon the Sienna and I rolled onto the Downeast Toyota lot, and I returned the keys to Turner. The Sienna sells well at Downeast Toyota, he indicated. “The No. 1 [buyers] would be families,” Turner said. “No. 2 would be retired people who want to travel, perhaps between Maine and Florida.

“We sell more of the Sienna LE,” he said. “It’s a popular model, with the dual sliding side doors and HomeLink.” Dual power sliding side doors are standard on the SE, XLE, and Limited; the last two trim levels add a power rear door. To test drive a 2011 Toyota Sienna, stop by Downeast Toyota on Wilson Street in Brewer.

NEWS PHOTO BY BRIAN SWARTZ

The only 2011 minivan available with all-wheel drive, the 2011 Toyota Sienna (shown here as an XLE) can carry seven or eight people, depending on the vehicle’s interior configuration. This XLE is equipped with a 3.5-liter DOHC six-cylinder engine, a six-speed ECT-i transmission, electric power steering, seven-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels, dual power sliding side doors and a power rear door, a power sliding moonroof, a 3.5-inch multi-information display screen with a rear-view camera, heated front seats, removable second-row captain’s seats, and a dual-view entertainment center. Painted South Pacific Pearl, this Sienna XLE is available at Downeast Toyota in Brewer.

Insurance Institute names 2011 Kia Optima a “Top Safety Pick”

By Brian Swartz SPECIAL SECTIONS EDITOR

Snowbanks limit visibility as I test drive a 2011 Kia Optima LX through Augusta, Manchester, and Winthrop.

Even beyond Augusta’s urban interior, piled snow forces me to inch carefully through parking lots and side roads, but I’m handling a well-equipped Optima that delivers a smooth, quiet ride despite the potholes — and it’s a great looking car, to boot.

Kia redesigned the Optima for 2011, says Charlie’s Kia Sales Manager Pierre Assaf, and the LX represents the entry-level model — and what an entry-level it is. Painted Metal Bronze, the LX sports a 2.4-liter GDI (gasdirect injection) four-cylinder engine mated with the six-speed Sportmatic transmission. The EPA estimates gas mileage at 24/34 city/highway, and the Optima moves quickly and nimbly along Route 202, where MDOT plows are pushing back the snowbanks.

Standard equipment on this LX includes anti-lock brakes, a traction-

control system, electronic stability control, 16-inch alloy wheels, motordriven power steering, A/C, Bluetooth connectivity, power locks and outside mirrors and windows, cruise control, steering wheel controls, and solar glass.

I tap different buttons and turn switches on the stylish instrument panel, which is angled slightly toward the driver; the controls are intuitive, not requiring me to peruse the owner’s manual to understand button functions.

For an entry-level Optima, this LX is loaded.

The Optima LX offers a tight, almost noise-free ride through downtown Winthrop and back to Route 202.

I can keep the sound on the Sirius Satellite Radio (three months’ free subscription with the Optima) on “low” rather than jacked up like on my truck.

The car turns easily with the motordriven power steering, and when a chrome grille and bumper suddenly appear just beyond a snowbank-blinded stop sign, the four-wheel disc brakes immediately slow the Optima so it

avoids a collision.

On and off Route 202 eastbound through Winthrop and Manchester, the Optima handles bare and snowcovered pavement with aplomb, making this four-door sedan fun to drive on a rare sunny day in midwinter 2011.

Ironically, my truck’s “out of service” today while undergoing a transmission flush; the transmission fluid on the 2011 Optima is self-contained, and the car lacks a transmission dipstick.

The Optima will never require a transmission flush.

The available Optimas are the LX, EX, EX Turbo, and SX. The EX and EX Turbo receive 17-inch alloy wheels, while the SX upgrades to 18-inch alloy wheels. According to Pierre, a 2.4-liter four-cylinder (develops 200 horsepower) four-cylinder powers the LX and EX, and a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder powers the EX Turbo and SX. The sixspeed Sportmatic transmission is found on all four models.

Other features found on 2011 Optimas include a chrome-tipped

See OPTIMA, Page 9

NEWS PHOTO BY BRIAN SWARTZ

Painted Metal Bronze, this 2011 Kia Optima LX sold at Charlie’s Kia in Augusta features a 2.4-liter gas direct-injection four-cylinder engine, a six-speed Sportmatic transmission, motor-driven power steering, 16-inch alloy wheels, electronic stability control, a traction-control system, Bluetooth connectivity, a USB input jack, turn-signal indicators on the exterior mirrors, cloth seat trim, steering wheel controls, a cooling glove box, power locks and windows, dual exhausts with chrome tips, and a six-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system.

New E-Class models kick off 125th anniversary at Mercedes-Benz

By Brian Swartz SPECIAL SECTIONS EDITOR

Mercedes-Benz celebrates its 125th anniversary — and the company’s status as the world’s oldest carmaker — by providing top-of-the-line driving and safety technology in its ninth-generation E Class.

Redesigned last year, the E Class features several models: • The E350 sedan, BlueTEC sedan, 4MATIC wagon, coupe, and Cabriolet; • The E550 sedan, coupe, and Cabriolet; • The E63 AMG, a high-performance car.

At Quirk Mercedes-Benz, the E350 4MATIC sedan “is our biggest seller,” said David Roberts, director of sales.

“Our customers like that it’s a fullsized sedan” also offered in luxury styling and sport styling.

The 4MATIC Package equips the E350 with 4MATIC all-wheel drive and the 4-wheel electronic traction system, abbreviated 4-ETS. Integrated with M-B’s electronic stability program, “4MATIC is always engaged and optimizing torque in every wheel,” according to www.mbusa.com, and the electronic stability program “maximizes the system’s effectiveness in corners and in wet or slippery conditions.”

The 4MATIC Package also utilizes 4-ETS to monitor “for the first sign of wheel slip and adjusts power delivery accordingly,” www.mbusa.com reports.

Sensors located at each wheel “monitor traction based on wheel speeds” and, when a wheel starts to slip, 4MATIC “individually brakes” that wheel.

The 2011 E350 BlueTEC sedan features 50-state clean diesel technology that reduces emissions from the model’s 210-horse turbo-diesel V6.

Mercedes-Benz mates this engine with a seven-speed automatic transmission.

Also popular with customers at Quirk Mercedes-Benz is the Cabriolet, which “has been a huge seller since it

came out” years ago” and “has been reintroduced to the E Class for 2011,” Roberts said. The Cabriolet appeals to “people who want a really nice performance luxury convertible,” he said.

Among the 2011 E Class Cabriolet’s desirable features is an AIRCAP system that prevents wind from ruffling hair and causing loud conversations in the cockpit. Roberts explained that “a trim piece pops up from the windshield, and a screen stretches across the windshield to deflect air over the passenger compartment.” The driver presses a button to activate AIRCAP, which adapts to a Cabriolet’s speed.

According to Roberts, the redesigned E Class now draws younger buyers, “people in their 40s” who “appreciate the styling and full equipment” — and its safety features.

Mercedes-Benz remains on the cutting edge with the newest safety technology, such as Pre-Safe, created by MB engineers and standard “in every new Mercedes-Benz,” Roberts said.

Utilizing sensors incorporated into the on-board Brake Assist and Electronic Stability Program, Pre-Safe monitors vehicle movement, including “pressure on the gas pedal” and “wheel movement,” Roberts said. If detected movement indicates an accident could occur, Pre-Safe “take steps to protect the driver and passengers,” he indicated.

For example, if the front passenger was reclining while taking a nap, PreSafe would automatically adjust the seat to let the air bags and seat belt work better. If it detects severe skidding, Pre-Safe would automatically close an open sunroof and windows.

Another Mercedes-Benz safety technology is Attention Assist, an option designed to detect driver drowsiness, Roberts said. Standard on all new Mercedes-Benzes, Attention Assist watches many factors, such as steering behavior, driving conditions, how the driver handles the controls, and lane changes.

Upon detecting unexpected car

movement, Attention Assist sounds a chime and repeatedly vibrates the steering wheel. “Believe me, it let’s you know in a hurry that you’re drifting,” Roberts said. “If you were nodding off, it will wake you up.”

Other safety technologies optional on the 2011 E Class models are: • Active Blind Spot Assist, which utilizes a rear bumper-mounted radar to detect a vehicle traveling in either blind spot.

This technology goes “active” as speeds higher than 20 miles an hour and, upon detecting a vehicle that the Mercedes’ driver cannot see, illuminates a side-mirror indicator.

If the Mercedes driver activates the turn signal to move into an already occupied lane, Active Blind Spot Assist sounds an audible warning and, if nec-

essary, brakes one rear wheel to keep the Mercedes-Benz in its lane.

• Active Lane Keeping Assist, which utilizes a camera in the rear-view mirror “to monitor the approaching lanes,” Roberts said. “It vibrates the steering wheel to let the driver know when the car is drifting.”

If the car continues drifting, Active Lane Keeping Assist brakes one rear wheel to keep the Mercedes-Benz in its lane.

• Distronic Plus with Pre-Safe Brake System. The day has not yet arrived when an E Class can take over for its driver, but this technology brings the day closer. A nose-mounted radar connected to the cruise control monitors approaching lanes and traffic and adjusts a Mercedes-Benz’s speed to keep adequate distance between the

Mercedes and a vehicle in front of it.

If that vehicle suddenly slows or stops, the Pre-Safe Brake System automatically applies “up to 40 percent of available braking power and primes the brakes to deliver full power the moment” the driver steps “on the brake pedal,” according to www.mbusa.com.

“If the brakes have not been applied within 0.6 seconds of a calculated impact, Pre-Safe Brake will automatically engage them at 100 percent power,” www.mbusa.com reports. The technology also provides “an audiovisual warning if the calculated braking speed indicates that insufficient braking power has been applied by the driver.”

“I’ve tried it,” Roberts said, referring to the Pre-Safe Brake System. “It will bring you to a halt. It works very well.”

Quirk Mercedes-Benz sells cars “all

over the state,” he said. The dealership’s valet service will send a driver and a loaner car to a customer’s home, leave loaner car, and bring the customer’s Mercedes-Benz to Bangor for servicing and a car wash.

All Mercedes-Benz drivers receive 24-hour roadside assistance by calling an M-B phone number; Quirk Mercedes-Benz then receives notification about the assistance request and sends a technician to assist the customer. “We offer this service 24/7,” Roberts said.

“It’s the commitment the Quirk family has made,” he said. Such commitment has repeatedly garnered Quirk Mercedes-Benz top honors in customer loyalty among all 315-plus M-B dealers in the United States, he indicated.

NEWS PHOTO BY BRIAN SWARTZ

This 2011 Mercedes E350 features 4MATIC all-wheel drive, a 3.5-liter V6, a seven-speed driver-adaptive transmission, a four-wheel electronic traction system, a power tilt/sliding sunroof, five-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels, Agility Control suspension, the 40-gig hard-drive COMAND system, and a rear-view camera. Painted Iridium Silver, this E350 is available at Quirk Mercedes in Bangor.

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2011 Nissan Juke connects with I-CON, Bluetooth, and AWD

By Brian Swartz SPECIAL SECTIONS EDITOR

If Nissan targets the hip crowd with the 2011 Juke, then I’m “hip,” too, because at my AARP membershipqualified age, I love the Juke. It’s “hip,” it’s “cool,” it’s “connected” with built-in Bluetooth technology, and it’s a “go-inthe-snow” car when equipped with innovative AWD technology.

Don’t think that AWD’s “hip”? Then ask Melissa Cote how her Juke SL performed during a recent blizzard. If “hip” means going hither and yon during a raging snowstorm while driving a stylish, equipment-packed fuselage powered by a 1.6-liter, turbocharged DOHC, then the Juke’s “hip” by Maine standards.

Before test driving a 2011 Nissan Juke SV, I met Mary-Anne McDermott at Darling’s Honda-Nissan-Volvo in Bangor. She and Cote are sales and leasing consultants there, and while they have both driven the Juke, Cote drove one “close to 800 miles” after setting out in a classic New England nor’easter.

Five days after that particular storm and 24 hours after another predicted “dusting” spilled 2-3 inches of snow across central Maine, McDermott had arranged for me to drive a Nissan Juke SV painted Chrome Silver (among eight available shades). She explained various controls, including the available Nissan Intelligent Key, mentioned the six standard air bags and other safety features, and wished me well.

Settling into the driver’s seat, I immediately eyeballed the centralized instrument panel. A few tapped buttons explained the audio system (which has CD and MP3 capability and an “iPod Menu,” but I’ll get to that), but the blue-backdropped “72 F” demanded my attention.

Talk about colorful instrumentation: Mounted just above the shifter, Nissan’s Intelligent Control System displays enough information to keep even a distracted child passenger entertained for a long time. I-CON, as Nissan acronyms it, offers two modes (or “interfaces”), Climate and D, and changes appearance with the appropriate touch.

In Climate Interface, I-CON

informs me that the HVAC system will maintain an interior “72-degree F” temp, and I can push six buttons — three beside each outboard dial — to activate the AC, turn off the HVAC, or direct hot or cold air to the desired body position.

In D-Mode Interface, I-CON transforms into a performance-reporting information center. “AC” becomes “Normal,” “Off ” becomes “Sport,” and the “head-and-foot” icon becomes “ECO.” When I punch each driving mode, the info screen goes full color with torque (Normal), boost (Sport), and ECO level (ECO) data. And if I tap the “Drive Info” or “ECO Info” buttons mounted to the I-CON’s right, the drive computer informs me about everything from speed to fuel-economy stats.

Enough about I-CON: It’s a fun, informative feature, but there’s much more — oh, so much more — to the 2011 Nissan Juke.

Nissan keeps the Juke choices simple: S, SV, and SL, all equipped with the same engine. Described by Nissan as an “urban cross over,” the cheeky Juke delivers superb acceleration and excellent gas mileage with its 188-horsepower turbo four-cylinder that seamlessly meshes with a Sport Modeequipped Xtronic CVT (continuously variable transmission).

Optional on front-wheel-drive SVs and SLs is a six-speed manual transmission.

I describe the Juke as “cheeky” because in affecting an SUV stance, it slightly resembles the larger Nissan Rogue, and because the Juke displays unique curves and lines: Check out the “high rise” front signal lights, for example. And the Juke’s “cheeky” because first glance suggests it’s a twodoor, er, a four-door, er, a two-door with suicide doors — and then I discover the rear-door handle mounted high in the window-surrounding black trim.

The Juke’s definitely a four-door cross over.

With a curb weight running between 2,912 and 3,210 pounds (depending on the model and transmission), the Juke can hurtle onto I-95 like a rocket fired from Cape Canaveral or ease quietly into a UMaine commuter space like a beautiful golden

retriever settling onto a dog bed. The Sport Mode, activated when the driver left-taps the shifter in “D,” mirrors a manual’s gear-stretching capabilities and lets the driver work the steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

These “give you better control on snowy days,” Mary-Anne says. Sport Mode likely works well in slush and snow, but while cruising on Old Town’s snowy streets, I rely on the torque-vectoring AWD. Nissan installs FWD on all Jukes and offers AWD as optional technology that shifts power between the rear wheels and between the front and rear wheels as required. Melissa Cote utilized a Juke SL’s AWD while headed south on Interstate 95 during a recent blizzard.

“The roads were bad all the way down” to Massachusetts, she recalls.

“Portland was just awful, but I had no issues between the all-wheel drive and the traction control system.” Despite the storm, the Juke’s gas mileage “was fantastic, in the high 20s,” Melissa says.

I’m alternating between I-95’s dry asphalt and Old Town’s greasy residential streets. The AWD switch lets me set 2WD (or front-wheel drive), AWD, or AWD-V, which “will vary the all-wheel drive as it’s needed,” Mary-Anne explains later. The Juke SV handled I95 and the Old Town byways with aplomb.

When Melissa drove into her blizzard, she connected her iPod to the USB cable concealed in the glovebox.

Then, using the steering wheel-mounted audio controls, Melissa played her favorite music through the Juke’s outstanding sound system. If she had so desired, she could have “paired” her cell phone with the standard Bluetooth system and talked “hands free” during her trip.

Besides Bluetooth, other features standard on all Jukes are 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels; remote keyless entry; power locks and windows; and vehicle dynamic control. The midrange SV adds a power sliding glass moonroof, rear privacy glass, I-CON, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a push-button ignition coupled with Nissan Intelligent Key. The Juke SL adds the Nissan Navigation System with its 5-inch color touch-screen monitor; NNS

NEWS PHOTO BY BRIAN SWARTZ

Nissan has introduced the feisty and hip 2011 Juke SV, styled as an “urban cross over” and equipped with torque-vectoring all-wheel drive. Available at Darling’s Honda-Nissan-Volvo in Bangor, this Juke SV is painted in Chrome Silver and comes standard with a 1.6-liter direct gas-injection four-cylinder engine, a continuously variable transmission with sport mode, electric power steering, 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, a traction-control system, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, an iPod interface system, Bluetooth connectivity, and a power sliding moonroof. incorporates a rear-view camera and offers XM NavTraffic. The SL also adds a USB connection port, leathertrimmed seats (also heated), and fog lights.

Priced at $23,300, the Nissan Juke SV “comes fully loaded,” Mary-Anne says. “You’re getting an inexpensive car

with features optional on similar cross overs: the sunroof, a really nice sound system, good leg room in the rear. It’s a turbo. It’s spunky.”

The base S prices around $19,800; “the SL loaded with leather seats and everything else” prices about $26,700,” she says.

The 2011 Nissan Juke appeals to younger people, singles and couples, and “many empty nesters” who “think ‘young’ and want to drive ‘young,’” Mary-Anne says.

“If you have to drive in your car every day, you want it to be fun,” Melissa says.

2011 Chevy Cruze is available in five trim levels

By Brian Swartz SPECIAL SECTIONS EDITOR

Chevrolet has ceaselessly advertised the 2011 Cruze on “Hawaii Five-0” since the popular remake debuted last fall. In fact, weeks before Alex O’Loughlin and Scott Caan effectively (and respectively) reprised the roles of Steve McGarrett and Danny “Danno” Williams, a red Cruze became synonymous with the new series.

And still is. Catch any “Hawaii Five-O” episode, and the 2011 Crystal Red Metallic Cruze will appear somewhere near the opening scenes.

And Mainers can check out a similar 2011 Chevrolet Cruise at Quirk Chevrolet, 293 Hogan Road, Bangor.

Available in five trim levels and two engine configurations, Cruze places Chevrolet as a “head-to-head competitor” with other carmakers in the compact car market, said Joe Quirk. Introduced in Europe in 2010 and brought to the States for 2011, the four-door Cruze replaces the Cobalt. Chevrolet has based the Cruze on GM’s Delta II platform.

The car’s aerodynamic styling hints at an international flavoring, actually represented by the car’s Korean designers. The nose, especially the large grille and inset headlights, resembles German automotive styling, and the roofline and rear

PHOTO BY RICHARD R. SHAW

The 2011 Kia Sorentois available at Van Syckle Kia-Suzuki in Bangor.

Kia unveils redesigned ’11 Optima and Sportage

By Richard R. Shaw It’s February in Maine, and sales of new Kias are great. Classy model redesigns, a strengthening economy, and Van Syckle Kia-Suzuki’s stellar reputation combine to make the Bangor dealership the place to buy in 2011.

“This is a big month for us, despite the weather,” said Sales Manager Chris Viner. “We’re showing our new Kias again inside the Bangor Mall during vacation week (Feb. 21-26). Buyers need to know the economic outlook is improving, and that banks are loosening up a bit. Van Syckle offers a variety of affordable prime and sub-prime financing options.”

Kia has redesigned its 2011 Optima and Sportage models, and they are priced to sell.

The Optima, Kia’s core mid-sized sedan, has a sporty new body style that includes improved space, more horsepower, and better fuel economy than its competition. Other available features include advanced seat design, automatic temperature control, eightway adjustable driver’s seat, and leather seating. EPA estimated miles per gallon (LX, EX, SX): 24/34. EPA estimated mpg The suggested starting price is just $18,995. In early spring 2011, Kia will be introducing the Turbo and Hybrid models.

The Sportage boasts a starting price of $18,295, making it an economical way to enter the world of SUVs. Kia emphasizes its fuel economy, size, and safety (five-star crash safety rating).

Improved features include a DOHC with CVVT and a 176 horsepower engine that delivers. Other features include a standard Tire Pressure Monitoring System on all models, six standard airbags, ABS Traction Control System, Electronic Stability Control, front and rear power outlets, split-folding rear seats, and a sixspeaker system with CD player.

The Sorento is Van Syckle’s bestselling Kia model, and with good reason. The all-new SUV has a sweet starting price of $19,995, gets great mileage (EPA base estimated mpg, 21/29), and has enough safety features to attract any family. Other standard features include a 2.4-liter, 175-horsepower four-cylinder engine, six-speed manual transmission, overdrive; fourwheel disc brakes; and a 1,650-pound towing capacity.

The popular Kia Soul is a new way to roll. “Forward design and formidable value,” reads Kia’s promotion.

Unique design elements include plenty of space, fuel economy, and surprising standard features such as an AM/FM/CD/MP3 and SIRIUS satellite radio systems and dual advanced

See VAN SYCKLE, Page 8

reflect a touch of Asia. But the Cruze is built for American performance and roads.

“It looks peppy, which appeals to young people, and its safety features, OnStar, and comfortable ride appeal to older drivers who appreciate comfort and quality,” Quirk said. “It appeals to a wide variety of people.

“Everyone who tries out a Cruze tells us how quiet, how solid it rides. This is like a little brother to the Malibu,” he said.

The five available Cruzes are: • LS, powered by an Ecotec 138horse 1.8-liter I-4 engine mated with a six-speed manual transmission; a sixspeed automatic transmission is optional. The LS has 16-inch silverpainted wheel covers.

• 1LT, powered by an Ecotec 1.4-liter turbo four-cylinder (a standard feature on all upgraded Cruzes) mated with the six-speed automatic transmission (a standard feature on all upgraded Cruzes except for the Eco).

NEWS PHOTO BY BRIAN SWARTZ • 2LT, which offers 16-inch fivePainted Crystal Red Metallic, this 2011 Chevrolet Cruze 1LT is available at Quirk Chevrolet on the spoke, machine-faced alloy wheels; Hogan Road in Bangor. This Cruze comes equipped with a 1.4-liter Ecotec DOHC four-cylinder turbo, a remote start; and a leather-wrapped six-speed automatic transmission, StabiliTrak, four-wheel anti-lock brakes, an electric rear-window defogsteering wheel and shifter knob. ger, an acoustic insulation package, power locks and windows, and solar tinted glass. The Connectivity • LTZ, which features 18-inch five- Plus Cruise Package adds Bluetooth connectivity, USB audio interface, cruise control, a leather-wrapped spoke, silver-painted alloy wheels, fourshift lever and steering wheel, and steering wheel controls. wheel anti-lock disc brakes, heated “greenest” Cruze. At highway speeds, the air shutter closes to reduce air-inductexterior mirrors and leather-trimmed seats, and Ultrasonic rear parking assist.

• ECO, which trades the automatic transaxle for a six-speed manual trans- ed drag.

According to Joe Quirk, the Chevy Cruze emphasizes safety with 10 air bags mission with an ECO overdrive gear. Other ECO-specific features are 17-inch, 15-spoke, forge-polished aluminum wheels with low-rolling resistance tires, a (including side impact and head curtain), Stabilitrak, a theft deterrent system, and a free six-months’ subscription to OnStar. Chevrolet considers Bluetooth rear spoiler, a lowered front air dam, and an air shutter.

With the EPA rating its highway mileage at 40 mpg, the ECO is Chevrolet’s See CRUZE, Page 8

Page 4

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4 | BANGOR DAILY NEWS | Monday | February 21, 2011

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*36 Month lease, 36,000 miles. Total of payments $10,761.84, residual value purchase price at lease end $15,022. Includes tax and title fee. To well qualified buyers.

$247/MO.

*36 Month Lease, 10,000 miles a year allowed. First payment due at signing.

Includes tax and title and ACQ fee. Rates subject to tier 1 approved credit through SMF. Total of payments $8,892. Purchase at lease end residual value $13,652.40.

BRAND NEW 2011

BRAND NEW 2011

SUBARU FORESTER X

SUBARU OUTBACK 2.5i

STK# S9210, AWD, Manual Transmission, A/C, AM/FM/CD Stereo, Remote Keyless Entry, PW, PL, Cruise Control, Tinted Glass, Fully Loaded! MSRP $21,920

STK# S1268, All Wheel Drive, A/C, Cruise Control, Tilt, PW, PL, Keyless Remote Entry, AM/FM/MP3/CD, ABS Brakes, VDC and More! MSRP $24,300

ALLOY WHEEL PACKAGE

SALE PRICE:

$21,999

$305/MO.

$20,499

BRAND NEW 2011

BRAND NEW 2011

NISSAN VERSA 1.6 SEDAN

NISSAN FRONTIER S K/C 4X2

S Package

OVER THE PAST 21 YEARS, NO ONE IN MAINE HAS SOLD MORE JEEP® VEHICLES THAN CHARLIE’S!

APR AS LOW AS

AVAILABLE

13,995

$

SALE

BRAND NEW 2011

1-800-339-0986 419 WESTERN AVENUE AUGUSTA, MAINE

* Sale prices include all applicable rebates including Owner Loyalty and Competitive Rebates, plus tax and title fee.

OVER 50 AVAILABLE!

20,495

$

17,995

$

SALE

SALE

STK# J0164, 6 Cyl, 6 Speed, AM/FM/CD, 6 Speaker Stereo System w/ Audio Input, Traction Control, 4 Wheel ABS Brakes, Mats, Full Size Spare, Height Adjustable Driver’s Seat, Sport Bar with Full Padding. MSRP $21,965

BRAND NEW 2011

BRAND NEW 2011

JEEP®LIBERTY SPORT 4X4

JEEP®GRAND CHEROKEE LAREDO

STK# J1104, 6 Cyl, Auto, AM/FM/CD Stereo w/ Steering Wheel Controls, Keyless Entry, PL, PW, Alloys, Leather Wrapped Steering Wheel, Rear Wiper, Rear Defrost. MSRP $26,605

STK# J1025, 6 Cyl, Auto, A/C, PW, PL, Power Seat, ABS Brakes, Keyless Entry, Side Curtain Air Bags, Sirius Satellite/MP3/CD Stereo, Alloy Wheels, Fog Lamps, All New Design, 4x4 and More! MSRP $32,995

Over 60 In Stock Now!

ABLE AVAIL T IT O CRED OVED YERS APPRIFIED BU H IT L W QUA

20,495

$

SALE

BRAND NEW 2011

21,895

$

SALE

28,695

$

SALE

BRAND NEW 2011

BRAND NEW 2011

KIA RIO

KIA SOUL

KIA SPORTAGE

KIA SORENTO LX AWD

STK# K1081, 4 Cyl, 5 Spd, 1.5 Ltr, ABS Brakes, Side Curtain Air Bags, 110 HP, Up To 34 MPG.

STK# K1136, 4 Cyl, 5 Speed, A/C, AM/FM/CD/MP3/Sirius Satellite Stereo, PL, PW, Tinted Glass, ABS Brakes, ESC and TPMS.

STK# K1069, 6 Spd., AM/FM/CD/MP3 Stereo, Side Curtain Airbags, 2.4 LTR 176 HP, Keyless Entry, PW, PL, Heated Seats, Rear Defrost.

STK# K1176, 4 Cyl, Side Curtain Airbags, AM/FM/CD Stereo, A/C, Tinted Glass, ABS Brakes, Tilt Wheel and Much More!

APR AS LOW AS 0% ON SELECT APRNEW AVAILABLE! KIA’S!

• 10 Year/100,000 Mile Powertrain Warranty • 5 Year/60,000 Miles Limited Basic Warranty • 5 Year/100,000 Miles Limited Anti-Perforation Warranty • 5 Year/60,000 Miles 24 Hour Roadside Assistance.

BRAND NEW 2011

NISSAN ROGUE S AWD

AS APR AS LOW

WITH APPROVED CREDIT TO QUALIFIED BUYERS

Sale prices include all applicable manufacturers rebates including owner loyalty, must take delivery from dealer stock, sales tax and title fee extra. Must present ad to receive sale prices. Must finance through GMAC.

15,995

$

STK# N1211, Model Code 22211, 4 Cyl, Auto, A/C, PW, PL, AM/FM/CD Stereo. MSRP $23,230

BRAND NEW 2010 JEEP®WRANGLER SPORT 4X4

BRAND NEW 2010 JEEP®Patriot J0199, 4 Cyl, 5 Speed, ABS Brakes, Deep Sunscreen Tinted Glass, Roof Rails, Fog Lamps, AM/FM/CD Stereo, 60/40 Split Fold Down Rear Seat. MSRP $15,995

SALE

* All sale prices include all applicable manufacturers rebates. Must present ad at time of purchase to receive sale prices.

APR programs may be used in lieu of rebates. To well qualified buyers. Excludes tax and title fee.

* Must present ad at time of purchase to receive sale price. Prices include all fees except Maine state sales tax and title.

465 WESTERN AVENUE AUGUSTA, MAINE

SAVE $5,075

STK# N0380, Model Code 13110, 4 Cyl, Auto, A/C, Floor Mats, Side Airbags, Traction Control, ABS Brakes, PW, PL, AM/FM/CD Stereo.

MSRP $23,070

WITH NO MONEY DOWN

UP TO 23 MPG

10,995

BRAND NEW 2010

*42 Month Lease, 10,000 miles a year allowed. First payment due at signing.

Includes tax and title and ACQ fee. Rates subject to tier 1 approved credit through SMF. Total of payments $12,810.

1-800-315-7401

STK# N1111, Model Code 31051, 4 Cyl, 5 Speed, 2.5 LTR, 4 Cyl, Split Folding Rear Seats, 152 HP., Power Steering, ABS Brakes and Much More! MSRP $19,645

$

NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5S

LEASE FOR: SALE PRICE:

NOW THROUGH THE END OF FEBRUARY PURCHASE ANY NEW NISSAN AND RECEIVE 2 YEARS FREE MAINTENANCE FROM CHARLIE’S NISSAN

SALE

IIHS Top Safety Pick

*36 Month lease, 36,000 miles. Total of payments $12,212.28, residual value purchase price at lease end $17,675. Includes tax and title fee. To well qualified buyers.

622-7327 • 800-315-7401 465 WESTERN AVENUE, AUGUSTA, ME

WITH NO MONEY DOWN

*42 Month Lease, 10,000 miles a year allowed. First payment due at signing.

Includes tax and title and ACQ fee. Rates subject to tier 1 approved credit through SMF. Total of payments $8,358. Purchase at lease end $10,773.

0%

APR AS LOW AS AVAILABLE**

** With approved credit to qualified buyers only, based on 2010 EPA mileage estimates reflecting new EPA fuel economy methods beginning with 2008 models. Use for comparison only. Do NOT compare models before 2008.Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle. **Consumer must qualify for interest rate buy down. Buy down fee to be paid by dealer. Buydown rate available to well qualified buyers.

STK# N1060, Model Code 11151, 4 Cyl, 5 Speed, Tilt Wheel, Int. Wipers and More!

MSRP $12,145

LEASE FOR: WITH NO MONEY DOWN

Or Purchase for $30,286 NO MONEY DOWN, ALL TAXES & FEES INCLUDED IN LEASE PAYMENT

SALE PRICE:

$20,599

LEASE FOR:

339 /M0.

$

NO MONEY DOWN, ALL TAXES & FEES INCLUDED IN LEASE PAYMENT

Up To 35 MPG!

BRAND NEW 2011

$199/MO.

22,134

BRAND NEW 2010

MAINE’S BEST DEAL ON A NEW SUBARU!

SUBARU LEGACY 2.5i

SALE

HONDA ACCORD CROSSTOUR EX-L

ALL OUR SALE PRICES INCLUDE “ALL FEES” EXCEPT THE SALES TAX AND TITLE.

BRAND NEW 2011

0%

AVAILABLE**

BRAND NEW 2011

Maine’s #1 Subaru Dealer!

Over the past 24 years, no dealer in Maine has sold more Subarus than Charlie’s

SUBARU IMPREZA 2.5I SEDAN

APR AS LOW AS

Model Code RE4H3BEW, Stock #H1374, 4 Cyl, Auto, A/C, Side Curtain Airbags, Rear Defrost, AM/FM/CD Stereo, Tinted Glass, PL, PW and More! MSRP $23,725

$

298*/M0.

Or Purchase for $23,892

Sale prices include all Manufacturer’s rebates and discounts. Prices include documentation fee; excludes tax and title. *Up to 60 months to qualified buyers. **Eligibility requires the term of 6 mo prior to graduation or up to 24 mo after graduation date from an accredited college or university. ***Must be active military and vehicle must be financed with TFS. Call for details. Covers normal factory scheduled service for 2 years or 25,000 miles, whichever occurs first. See participating dealer for coverage details. Programs expire 2/21/11.

NEW SUBARUS IN STOCK!

BRAND NEW 2011

HONDA CIVIC HYBRID Lease for

DEMO

NO MONEY DOWN, ALL TAXES & FEES INCLUDED IN LEASE PAYMENT

HONDA CRV LX 4x4

SALE

20,687

$259/M0.

1.9% APR ON ALL

0% AVAILABLE**

APR AS LOW AS

HONDA ACCORD LX

$

$

*36 Month lease, 36,000 miles. Total of payments $8,964, Purchase at lease end residual value $11,776. Includes all taxes and title fee. To well qualified buyers only.

#T01042, Power Seat, Fog Lights, Bedliner, Hood Protector. MSRP $36,688

LEASE FOR

AS LOW AS

189*/M0. $ Or Purchase for 17,843 Lease for

0%

APR AS LOW AS AVAILABLE**

UP TO 37 MPG

UP TO 34 MPG MSRP..................$13,085 MFG. Rebate..........$1,000 Active Military Rbt. . . . . .$500 Charlie’s Discount....$1,590

SALE $

9,995

UP TO 29 MPG

MSRP...............$14,090 Active Military Rbt. . . .$500 Owner Loyalty or Competitive Bonus Cash..........$1,000 $ Charlie’s Discount. .$702

SALE

11,888

MSRP...............$19,085 Owner Loyalty or Competitive Rebate. $500 Active Military Rbt....$500 Charlie’s Discount. .$1,090

SALE $

16,995

MSRP.........$25,470 Owner Loyalty or Competitive Bonus Cash...........$1,000 Active Military Rbt.. . .$500 Kia Rebate.............$1,000 Charlie’s Discount. .$2,000

*Some 0% APR programs in lieu of rebates. Sale price includes all manufacturers rebates and discounts. Sale prices and special discounts include all rebates. Does not include tax and title fees. Prices and APRs to change without notice. Must present advertisement at the time of sale to receive sale prices and discounts.

SALE $

20,970

Page 5

Autorama Cyan Magenta Yellow Black BANGOR DAILY NEWS | Monday | February 21, 2011 | 5

Buick introduces its new Regal as CXL and CXL Turbo

By Brian Swartz SPECIAL SECTIONS EDITOR

Buick has introduced the Regal, a model name last seen in 2004, as a 2011 compact equipped and styled to attract “a much younger market,” says Ray Campbell, a sales and leasing consultant at Darling’s Auto Mall on Beckwith Hill in Ellsworth.

Offered as a CXL and a CXL Turbo, the 2011 Regal has “a more sportier flair” drawn from “its heritage in Germany,” he says, noting that the Regal “is based on the Opel Insignia.”

Chevrolet introduced the Regal in China two years ago; Regals are currently being built in Germany and China, and GM has retooled a shuttered plant in Oshawa, Ontario to start making Regals there later this year.

The CXL features a 2.4-liter Ecotec fourcylinder engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. The CXL Turbo features a 2.0liter Ecotec turbocharged four-cylinder engine mated (standard) with a six-speed auto transaxle or (optionally) with a six-speed manual transmission.

Also available on the CXL Turbo is the Interactive Drive Control System with three drive-mode selections. Found on the CXL and its Turbo derivative is a 120-volt household power outlet, which lets passengers plug in portable electronics or chargers “just like plugging into your house,” Campbell says.

Both Regal models are equipped with StabiliTrak, dual-zone climate control, an AM/FM/XM stereo system with a built-in CD and MP3 player, a USB port with iPod connectivity, Bluetooth connectivity, heated front seats, steering-wheel mounted audio and cruise control buttons, and 18-inch alloy wheels.

The 2011 Regal stresses comfort and “excellent engineering,” Campbell says. Leather seat

trim is standard on both Regals, as is an eight-way power driver’s seat (a similar seat is standard for the front passenger on the CXL Turbo). Floors mats are carpeted fore and aft, and both Regals have power locks and windows and rear-window defrosters.

Thanks to Buick Quiet Tuning, the ’11 Regal has a quiet ride, Campbell indicates. The firewall, for example, “is two pieces of steel with a plastic layer between them to reduce engine noise,” he explains. “The side windows are double-laminate glass with plastic set between the laminate to really cut down on road noise.

“It’s very nice moving down the road, very comfortable, quite a car,” he says.

Consumers Digest certainly agrees.

“Inside and out, Buick got the Regal right,” the magazine reported after naming the 2011 Regal a “Consumers Digest Best Buy.” “The Regal manages to be classy, nimble and contemporary without alienating traditional Buick customers,” Consumers Digest stated.

“Buick’s greatest challenge will be getting first-time customers into the showroom to test-drive the car, but NEWS PHOTO BY BRIAN SWARTZ once they do, the Regal will sell itself.”

This 2011 Buick Regal CXL sports Majestic Blue Metallic paint and features a 2.4-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine mated with a sixThe Regal competes directly with speed automatic transmission. Additional equipment includes StabiliTrak, daytime running lamps, anti-lock four-wheel disc brakes, Acura, Lexus, and the Camry XLE, and power locks and windows, power (and heated) exterior mirrors, 18-inch painted alloy wheels, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, other similar sedans, according to Bluetooth connectivity, a USB port, AC, and cruise control. The Buick Regal is available at Darling’s Auto Mall in Ellsworth.

Campbell. Buick offers a free sixmonth OnStar trial with every Regal; this feature adds “a turn-by-turn navigation With the new Regal, Buick now has four reports.

Regal has a very pretty shape and so much stansystem with voice prompts,” Campbell points available models; the others are the Enclave, The 2011 Regal appeals to “the young pro- dard equipment that’s optional on some comout. “You push the button, tell the adviser Lacrosse, and Lucerne. Two more Buicks will fessional, someone who might consider a high- petitors’ cars. where you want to go, and listen to the direc- soon be unveiled: “a 40-mile-per-gallon com- end import,” he says. “We’re seeing younger “The value story is there. The Buick Regal is tions” as the Regal rolls along the highway. pact and a five-passenger crossover,” Campbell people coming in and checking it out. The fun to drive,” Campbell says.

Hyundai loads stylish ’11 Elantra with impressive equipment array

By Brian Swartz SPECIAL SECTIONS EDITOR

Arriving a rental car agency in Lexington, Ky. last May, my wife and I decided among three available compacts: two Hyundai Elantras — one black, one white — and a domestic sedan. Based on past rental driving experiences, we eschewed the domestic car, selected the white Elantra, and enjoyed tooling around the Bluegrass State in a comfortable, gas-stingy ride.

So when the Quirks made a 2011 Hyundai Elantra available for a test drive last month, I knew what I’d encounter: a great compact with stylish lines and excellent road-handling capabilities.

Painted a Radiant Silver, the 2011 Elantra GLS featured a 1.8-liter, DOHC inline four-cylinder engine mated to a six-speed Shiftronic auto-

has been redesigned from the ground up,” said Scott Mullins, sales and leasing consultant at Quirk Hyundai in Bangor. “We’re pretty proud of that. It has been a really successful car for us.”

I can see why. Unveiled by Hyundai in 1990 and initially sold in America in 1994, the Elantra has evolved into a price- and quality-competitive compact that competes with the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla. And the eyecatching fuselage conceals another favorable attribute: Like the Tardis in the BBC’s “Dr. Who,” the ’11 Elantra proves roomier inside than the exterior lines seem to permit.

Don’t believe me? The Elantra’s short rear says “limited trunk space,” but a raised trunk lid indicates “spacious trunk,” able to conceal two large suitcases and assorted gear. The sculpted roofline and high door metal suggest a low ceiling; I’m only 5-9, but seated at the wheel, I noticed plenty of

“Based on the interior passenger volume,

the 2011 Elantra qualifies as a mid-size by U.S. standards, but it’s still a compact.”

SCOTT MULLINS

matic transmission. The Shiftronic knob lies adjacent the driver’s right hand, within easy reach, and moves succinctly through R, N, and D and back to P. The 1.8-liter engine kicks out 145 horsepower at 6,300 rpm and responds quickly to pedal pressure, as I learned while entering I-95 northbound at Exit 187.

A smooth, flowing contour conceals both engine and transmission, and the Elantra’s aerodynamically designed fuselage hints at speed, not sloth. The sedan differs substantially from its 2010 predecessor; “the 2011 [Elantra]

“air” above me.

Hyundai credits the Elantra’s spacious interior to the car’s lengthened wheelbase (106.3 inches) and length (178.3 inches). Whatever the reason, the looks are deceiving: Looking small equals being large with the 2011 Elantra.

“Based on the interior passenger volume, the 2011 Elantra qualifies as a mid-size by U.S. standards, but it’s still a compact,” Mullins said.

I quickly notice how the instrumentation’s placed with easy eye and hand reach. The $550 Preferred Equipment

Package on this GLS adds steering wheel-mounted audio controls and Bluetooth hands-free cell phone capability (among other options). Steering wheel-mounted cruise control comes standard, so with the PEP amenities, I need not look all around the cabin while punching the radio dial, adjusting the cruise control, and yapping on the cell phone. With enough Elantra driving experience, I could probably work the wheel-mounted controls without glancing at them; this means more “eye time” on the road, not the dashboard.

Speaking of safety: the 2011 Elantra features six airbags, anti-lock brakes with brake assist, a traction control system, and electronic stability control.

The sedan’s unibody shell incorporates additional high-strength steel that delivers 37 percent higher body stiffness than did the 2010 Elantra.

Combined with additional insulation and other sound-dampening materials, the increased body stiffness gives the 2011 Elantra a quiet ride. I drove the car all over Orono and Old Town; neither potholes nor rough pavement echoed through the cabin, and the radio’s volume remained comfortably low.

The car simply has a quiet ride.

According to the EPA, the new Elantra GLS should achieve 29 city/40 highway mpg, desirable figures with gas priced at $3-plus per gallon. “You get hybrid gas mileage, and you’re not paying the premium hybrid price,” Mullins said.

In fact, the Elantra competes effectively in price and on-board equipment. “You can get a well-equipped Elantra for a little over $18,000,” Mullins pointed out.

“This would have the Preferred Equipment Package, which would give you 16-inch alloy wheels, a sliding center arm rest, illuminated vanity mirrors, an illuminated ignition ring,” and Bluetooth and the steering wheelmounted controls, he said.

Priced at less than $18, 800, the test

NEWS PHOTO BY BRIAN SWARTZ

Painted Radiant Silver, this 2011 Hyundai Elantra GLS features a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine, a sixspeed automatic Shiftronic transmission, electronic stability control, four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, 16inch wheels, solar glass, iPod and USB auxiliary jacks, power heated exterior mirrors, power locks and windows, Bluetooth connectivity, and steering wheel-mounted audio and cruise controls. This Elantra is available at Quirk Hyundai-Mitsubushi in Bangor.

Elantra has this optional package and offers such standard features as: • Four-wheel disc brakes. At least one competitor cites expense and weight as one reason for using drum rather disc brakes on its rear wheel; Hyundai installs four disc brakes.

• Solar glass with a windshield shade band. Parked into the sun at a stop light, I quickly realized how effectively this shade band reduces glare — and traffic light glow.

• An AM/FM/XM/MP3 audio system with six speakers (Hyundai offers a free three-month trial for XM radio).

• An iPod and USB auxiliary input jack.

• A power heated side mirror.

• Warranties galore: 10year/100,000-mile powertrain; fiveyear/60,000-mile new vehicle; fiveyear/unlimited mileage roadside assistance; and seven-year/unlimited mileage anti-perforation.

How can Hyundai afford to honor these lengthy warranties? “They believe in the quality of what they make, and they stand behind it,” Mullins said. “The powertrain warranty is the best in America; that’s how good Hyundai engines and transmissions are.

“Hyundai has always been a very practical car based on mileage and

value, price, and safety,” he said. “Now they’re really paying attention to the aesthetics and style, and customers are noticing.

“Hyundai has focused on refinement. The Elantra comes fully equipped with features that are options on other cars, and the Elantra has an eye-appealing design,” Mullins said. The 2011 Elantra appeals to young families, commuters, and older drivers “who like comfort and style, but are aware of the price point,” he noted.

To learn more about the 2011 Hyundai Elantra, stop by Quirk Hyundai at 162 Haskell Road, Bangor.

Kia designs style and handling into the new 2011 Sportage

By Staff and Wire Reports Nowhere is it written that a crossover SUV must be bland and uninspiring, yet it seems that America’s streets and highways have taken a turn toward dullsville as crossover sales march forever upward.

In response, Kia has decided to inject this segment with a much-needed boost of adrenaline with its fully redesigned 2011 Kia Sportage, a small crossover with sharp styling and lively handling.

The 2011 Kia Sportage represents the Korean company’s charge from the back of the pack to challenge those brands that sit at the head of the class.

Thanks to chiseled lines and a sleeklooking interior, the 2011 Kia Sportage is one of the best-looking small crossovers for this model year.

The redesigned Sportage “appeals to businesspeople on the road a lot, to people in their 30s and up,” said Pierre Assaf, sales manager at Charlie’s Kia at 319 Western Ave., Augusta.

In terms of engine performance, the 2011 Kia Sportage is powered by the standard 2.4-liter inline-4, which makes 176 horsepower.

When you’re behind the wheel, the Sportage feels much more athletic and engaging than any other compact crossover in its class thanks to taut suspension tuning.

We expect the Sportage to get even sportier when the SX model with its turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 debuts later in the model year with 270 hp.

Among the competition, the stalwart Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 can accommodate about 25 percent more cargo, although that extra space will cost a few thousand dollars more than a comparably equipped Sportage.

The Sportage also represents a relative bargain when compared to the Chevrolet Equinox, Mazda CX-7, and Mitsubishi Outlander, as it delivers more standard features at a slightly lower price.

“Kia puts a lot of safety features in all its vehicles, including the Sportage,” Assaf said. The 2011 Kia Sportage is a compact crossover SUV with seating for five. Initially, it will be offered in three trim levels: base, LX, and EX. Soon after launch, a turbocharged SX model will be available.

Standard features on the base model include 16-inch cast-aluminum wheels, air-conditioning, full power accessories, a tilt steering wheel with audio and phone controls, cloth upholstery, Bluetooth, and a six-speaker CD/MP3 player with satellite radio and USB/auxiliary input jacks.

Stepping up to the Sportage LX adds turn signals integrated into the exterior mirrors, tinted rear windows, and keyless entry. Seventeen-inch wheels are optional, but only on the LX. The Sportage EX comes with 18inch wheels, LED daytime running lights, fog lights, chrome exterior accents, a rear spoiler, roof rails, dualzone automatic climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel that also telescopes, a power driver seat,

and a chilled glovebox. Some EX features are available on the LX as options.

Available on LX and EX models are an upgraded audio system and a voicecontrolled navigation system with a back-up camera.

An optional Premium package is only available on EX models and adds leather upholstery, heated front seats, a ventilated driver seat, keyless ignition/entry, panoramic sunroof, rear parking sensors, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and a cargo cover.

Powering the base, LX, and EX examples of the Sportage is a 2.4-liter inline-4 engine that produces 176 horsepower.

The base model is only available with a six-speed manual transmission, while other trims receive a six-speed automatic as standard. LX and EX buyers may also choose between frontand all-wheel drive.

All-wheel-drive Sportage models are suitable for light off-road duties only. The EPA estimates fuel economy at 22 mpg city/31 mpg highway mpg and 25 mpg in combined driving for a 2.4-liter automatic with front-wheel drive. Opting for a manual transmission or all-wheel drive drops those estimates by a few mpg each.

The 2011 Kia Sportage’s interior in EX trim features a pleasing mix of complex and organic shapes.

There is quite a bit of hard plastic throughout the cabin, but it’s well-textured and adequately padded where passengers generally make contact.

NEWS PHOTO BY BRIAN SWARTZ

Available at Charlie’s Kia in Augusta is this 2011 Kia Sportage EX, painted Mineral Silver Gray and equipped with a 2.4-liter DOHC I-4 engine, a six-speed automatic transmission, motor-driven power steering, front-wheel drive, a traction-control system, electronic stability control, power doors and locks and outside mirrors, a cooling glove box, Bluetooth connectivity, cruise control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, fog lamps, and a cargo cover.

Page 6 Autorama Cyan Magenta Yellow Black 6 | BANGOR DAILY NEWS | Monday | February 21, 2011

“You’ll Do Better At Darling’s!”

JUST ANNOUNCED!!!

2011 DODGE JOURNEY EXPRESS

New 2011 HONDA CIVIC LX 4DR

AUTOMATIC M.S.R.P. $24,285 Discount $2,100

A.P.R.

Rebate $750

Stock #603034

$

21,435

2010 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN

M.S.R.P. $24,095 Discount $2.200 Rebate $2,500 Van Loyalty $1,000

4X4

MOS.

149

OR BUY & FINANCE FOR

17,895 1.960

M.S.R.P. $32,995 Discount $4,000

28,995

NEW 2011 FORD FOCUS S 4DR 5-Speed, Air, CD, Power Locks

$

New 2011 HONDA CR-V LX 4WD AUTO

35

mpg hwy

M.S.R.P $17,365 #356702

10,990

$

0 % 60 APR FOR MONTHS

Price includes Customer Cash.

FMCC financing required.

NEW 2011 FORD FUSION SE 5-Speed CD, Air, Cruise, Power Pkg.

APR

Stock #602895

2011 GMC SIERRA 1500 4X4

OR BUY & FINANCE FOR

% for

2011 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE LAREDO

$

1.960

APR

% for

36 Month/36,000 mile lease. No security deposit. Taxes and all fees included. $2,050 cash or trade down plus first payment of $149 for a total of $2,199 due at lease signing or choose 1st payment ONLY option where you bring first payment of $199 and drive away today (no $1,851 cash or trade down)! Option to purchase at lease end.

Stock #602801

$

MONTHS

0% APR/60 MOS. OR 1.9% APR/72 MOS. PLUS $1000 REBATE ON ALL 2011 FOCUS, FUSION & ESCAPE MODELS!!

199

MOS.

33

$

#RE4H3BEW M.S.R.P $23,725

36 Month/36,000 mile lease. No security deposit. Taxes and all fees included. $2,000 cash or trade down plus first payment of $199 for a total of $2,199 due at lease signing or choose 1st payment ONLY option where you bring first payment of $259 and drive away today (no $1,741 cash or trade down)! Option to purchase at lease end.

mpg hwy M.S.R.P $22,100 #356439

16,990 0 % 60

$

Prices include rebates, incentives and doc fee. Financing subject to credit qualification.

Must present this advertisement at time of sale to receive advertised offers. Offers valid through 2/23/11.

1-877-445-9873 114 Sylvan Road, Bangor Mon. - Fri. 8am - 7pm Sat. 9am - 6pm

With 7 1/2’ BOSS PLOW

APR FOR MONTHS

Price includes Customer Cash.

FMCC financing required.

NEW 2011 FORD ESCAPE XLT FWD

Auto, CD, Power Driver’s Seat, Air, Sun ‘N Sync®

28

mpg hwy

M.S.R.P $25,990 #356976

19,990 0 % 60

$ #702353

M.S.R.P. $32,485 WITH PLOW

24,480

$8,005 $

W/DISCOUNTS & REBATES!

2011 GMC ACADIA SLE ALL WHEEL DRIVE

28

mpg hwy

SAVE

NEW 2011 NISSAN ROGUE S ALL WHEEL DRIVE AUTO

Price includes Customer Cash.

FMCC financing required.

NEW 2011 FORD F150 XL 4X4 SUPERCAB

4X4

199

APR FOR MONTHS

ALL NEW 3.7L V6 TOW PKG., AIR

21

mpg hwy

$ Stock #702246 • M.S.R.P $40,320

SAVE

$5,200 $

35,120

W/DISCOUNTS & REBATES!

2011 GMC SIERRA 1500 W/T EXT. CAB AUTO

4X4

Lease for $199 per month with 39,000 miles included. No security deposit. Includes all taxes and fees. $2,699 plus first payment due at signing. Or lease for $259 per month for 39 months with 39,000 miles included. No security deposit. Includes all fees and taxes. FIRST PAYMENT ONLY DUE AT LEASE SIGNING. Additional miles up front at .10 per mile or .15 per miles at lease end. (.15 PER MILE UPFRONT/.20 PER MILE AT LEASE END ON MSRP OVER $30,000)

NEW 2011 NISSAN FRONTIER S CREW CAB 4WD 6-SPEED

22,990

$

*Must trade to qualify for Darling’s Trade Assistance Cash (‘95 or newer trade to qualify for Ford Trade Assistance Program). Darling’s and Ford Trade Assistance Programs expire 1/10/11. *0% APR FOR 36, 60 AND 72 MONTHS AND 1.9% APR FOR 72 MONTHS AVAILABLE TO QUALIFIED BUYERS IN LIEU OF FACTORY REBATES. Offers expires 2 days from published date. All Financing subject to credit qualification and approval. Advertised prices include title and doc fee, but do not include sales tax. Not subject to prior sale. MUST PRESENT THIS AD TO RECEIVE ADVERTISED PRICE.

4X4

Model #32261

Price includes Customer Cash and Trade-Assist Cash. FMCC Financing Required. M.S.R.P. $30,735 • #357003

1-877-457-3710 403 Hogan Road, Bangor Mon. - Fri. 8am - 7pm Sat. 9am - 6pm

DARLING’S VOLKSWAGEN NEW 2011 VW TIGUAN 2.0T 4-MOTION

Stock #702409 • M.S.R.P $30,470

23,965

SALE PRICE

$

Prices include rebates, incentives and doc fee. Financing subject to credit qualification.

Must present this advertisement at time of sale to receive advertised offers. Offers valid through 2/23/11.

1-877-457-3730

M.S.R.P. $25,260

1-877-445-9873 114 Sylvan Road, BangorMon. - Fri. 8am - 7pm Sat. 9am - 6pm

Mon. - Fri. 8am - 7pm Sat. 9am - 6pm

189

$

36 MOS.

2011 HYUNDAI ELANTRA GLS

36 month lease, 36,000 miles included. No Security Deposit.

Tax and all fees included. $1,000 down which includes first payment due at lease signing. Option to purchase at lease end. Stock #401597 ~ MSRP $18,445.

Prices include rebates, incentives and doc fee. Financing subject to credit qualification. qualification.

Must present this advertisement at time of sale to receive advertised offers. Offers valid through 2/23/11.

1-877-457-3715 439 Western Avenue, Augusta

Mon. - Fri. 8am - 7pm Sat. 9am - 6pm

25

mpg hwy

Save

Prices include rebates, incentives and doc fee. Financing subject to credit qualification.

Must present this advertisement at time of sale to receive advertised offers. Offers valid through 2/23/11.

16 Kingsland Crossing, Ellsworth

America’s Best WarrantyTM*

21,890

$

Protection Kit, Automatic

2011 Volvo XC70 Cross Country AWD Wagon “The Volvo XC70 brings out the explorer in all of us.”

$2,452

M.S.R.P. $28,025 • Ends 2/28/11. • #592078

Sale Price $25,573

NEW 2011 VW JETTA SE SEDAN

31

mpg hwy

6-Speed Automatic

Save

Stock #300420

$1,727

M.S.R.P $39,500

$36,981

Prices include rebates, incentives and doc fee. Financing subject to credit qualification.

Must present this advertisement at time of sale to receive advertised offers. Offers valid through 2/23/11.

1-877-445-9873 114 Sylvan Road, BangorMon. - Fri. 8am - 7pm Sat. 9am - 6pm

M.S.R.P. $20,300 • Ends 2/28/11. • #592066

Sale Price $18,573

www.darlingsvw.com Prices include rebates, incentives and doc fee. Financing subject to credit qualification.

Must present this advertisement at time of sale to receive advertised offers. Offers valid through 2/23/11.

11-877-457-3710 403 Hogan Road, Bangor Mon. - Fri. 8am - 7pm Sat. 9am - 6pm

Page 7

Autorama

Cyan Magenta Yellow Black BANGOR DAILY NEWS | Monday | February 21, 2011 | 7

www.downeasttoyota.com OAKLEY

RIGLEY

EMMITT

WA S H I N GTO N ’ S B I R T H DAY S A L E S E V E N T NEW 2011 YARIS 3DR LIFTBACK 4CYL 5SPD AC CD

NEW 2010 PRIUS 4CYL CVT CD PKG#3 ALLOYS

#235743

NEW 2011 SIENNA 4CYL AUTO AC CD

#235187

#235235

0.9% for 36/48/60 months

SALE PRICE $13,998

MSRP $14,838

AFTER REBATES

4CYL AUTO AC CD

NEW 2011 CAMRY 4DR 4CYL 5 SPD AC CD

#235663

0% for 36/48/60 months MSRP $18,060

MSRP $20,545

SALE PRICE $17,498

AFTER REBATES

5.7L 8 CYL, AUTO, AC, CD

NEW 2010 HIGHLANDER HYBRID 4WD

6CYL HYBRID SYNERGY DRIVE CVT ALLOYS

#235724

#235159

NEW 2010 COROLLA S 4 CYL, AUTO, AC, ROOF, ALLOYS

MSRP $36,551

SALE PRICE $16,798 AFTER REBATES

NEW 2011 TACOMA ACCESS CAB 4WD 4CYL 5 SPEED AC CD

#150378

3.9% financing available**

SALE PRICE $29,960

AFTER REBATES

#235419

1.9% for 36/48/60 months MSRP $19,705

0% for 36/48/60 months

3.9% financing available**

SALE PRICE $19,998

SALE PRICE $20,998 AFTER REBATES

AFTER REBATES

NEW 2011 TACOMA REG CAB NEW 2011 TUNDRA CREW MAX 4WD #235695

1.9% for 36/48/60 months MSRP $23,243

0% for 36/48/60 months

SALE PRICE $14,998

AFTER REBATES

MSRP $21,345

#234740

0% for 36/48/60 months

SALE PRICE $23,759

4 CYL, 5 SPD, AC, CD

SALE PRICE $23,998

#235581

AFTER REBATES

NEW 2010 COROLLA LE

#235005

MSRP $27,350

MSRP $26,624

AFTER REBATES

NEW 2011 CAMRY HYBRID 4 CYL, HYBRID, CVT AC, CD, ALLOYS

2.9% for 36/48/60 months

SALE PRICE $21,436

MSRP $24,750

NEW 2011 RAV-4 2WD 4CYL AUTO AC CD

MSRP $38,889

SALE PRICE $32,998

MSRP $24,519

AFTER REBATES

AFTER REBATES

SALE PRICE $22,998 AFTER REBATES

NEW VEHICLES 989-6400 or 1-800-TOYOTAS USED VEHICLES 989-6400 or 1-800-869-6827 CHECK OUT MORE GREAT SPECIALS ONLINE ONLY AT www.downeasttoyota.com 0% financing for 36 months on 2010 Highlander (Gas only). 0% financing for 36, 48 and 60 months on 2010 Yaris, 2010 Tundra, 2010 Highlander (Hybrid only), 2010 Prius, 2010 Corolla, 2011 Tundra and 2011 Camry. 0.9% financing for 36/48/60 months on 2010 Matrix, 2010 Venza and 2011 Avalon. 2.9% financing for 36/48/60 months on 2011 Rav-4, 2011 Tacoma and 2011 Highlander (Gas Only). Financing based in lieu of rebate or special lease and on Tier 1 approved credit. Rebate incentives paid by Toyota Motor Sales. All sale prices include factory and internet rebates and in lieu of financing rates.

Sale price in effect for date of publication only. Customer must have a copy of ad at time of purchase to receive advertised sale price or special lease rate. Offers expire 2/21/2011. Advertised price excludes tax, tag, registration, title and includes $225 doc fee. DOWN EAST TOYOTA-SCION ** Tacoma financing rate available through Fifth/Third Bank with approved credit.

February Clearance Event now in Progress, all used in stock marked down thousands!

2006 PONTIAC TORRENT AWD

P GROUP, ONLY 73,000 1-OWNER MI!

$

ST# 235685A

11,927

2008 TOYOTA TUNDRA DCAB LIMITED

2008 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER SPORT

6 CYL, 3RD SEAT, ONLY 30,000 1 OWNER MILES!

$

ST# 235399A

26,380

2007 TOYOTA MATRIX WAGON

2010 TOYOTA RAV4 AWD

PRGOUP, ONLY 18K!

$

ST# 28053PM

21,385

2005 TOYOTA TACOMA DCAB 4X4

2007 HONDA CRV EX

AT, SUNROOF, FULLY LOADED!

$

ST# 235339A

15,972

2010 TOYOTA VENZA AWD

2006 RAV4 SPORT

4CYL, SUNROOF, ONLY 62,000 1OWNER MI!

$

ST# A235726A

16,363

2007 NISSAN ALTIMA

C 5.7V8, LEATHER, FULLY LOADED!

$

ST# 150399A

28,742

2008 TOYOTA RAV4 SPORT

AT, SUNROOF, ONLY 29,000 1 OWNER MI!

$

ST# 235763A

19,998

2008 TOYOTA RAV4 SPORT

6CYL, SUNROOF, ONLY 42K!

$

ST# 235386A

19,699

2005 TOYOTA 4RUNNER SR5 4WD

6 CYL., AUTO, A/C, MOONROOF, ALLOYS, 54K

$

ST# 28085PM

19,888

2008 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER SR5

6CYL, PGROUP, ONLY 35,000 1OWNER MI!

$

ST#235536A

23,899

2007 TOYOTA SEQUOIA LIMITED

V8, SR, LEATHER, FULLY LOADED!

$

ST# A234667A

22,925

4 CYL., 5 SPD., A/C, CD, 37K MILES!

ST#A235679A

11,999

$

2008 JEEP WRANGLER UNLIMITED X

PGROUP, ONLY 47K!

ST# 235638A

21,399

$

2008 HYUNDAI ELANTRA GLS

4CYL, AT, LOW 1OWNER MI!

$

ST# 235744A

11,388

2007 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER SR5

6CYL, ALLOY WHEELS, AWD, ONLY 56K!

$

ST# 235682B

18,967

2009 TOYOTA TACOMA DCAB 4X4

V6, AT, PGROUP, ONLY 36K!

ST# 28050PM

25,699

$

2009 TOYOTA CAMRY HYBRID

GAS/ELECT, ONLY 44K!

ST# 234752A

17,945

$

V6, AT, TRD, ONLY 48K!

ST# 235386A

20,471

$

2010 TOYOTA CAMRY LE

4CYL, SUNROOF, ONLY 26K!

STK# 28075PM

17,995

$

2006 TOYOTA AVALON XLS

LEATHER, SUNROOF, FULLY LOADED, LOW 1-OWNER MI!

$

ST# 28036PM

17,460

$

ST# 235204A

16,964

2008 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER SPORT

6 CYL., SUNROOF, FULLY LOADED, ONLY 46K!

ST# 27954PM

24,998

$

2005 TOYOTA CAMRY LE

ABS, P SEAT, ONLY 72K!

ST# A234018D

10,387

$

28045PM

28,998

$

2008 NISSAN FRONTIER CREW CAB

6 CYL, SE, FULLY LOADED, ONLY 28K!

ST# 27998PM

21,866

$

2004 TOYOTA AVALON XLS

V6, 5SPD, ONLY 33,000 MI!

$

ST# 235474A

10,836

2007 GMC CREW CAB 2500 HD 4X4

2008 HONDA CRV

AWD LX AT, PRGOUP, ONLY 47K!

6CYL, SUNROOF, BACK UP CAMERA, ONLY 1,920 MI!

V8, FISHER MM PLOW, ONLY 65K!

$

ST# A234840A

20,263

2007 TOYOTA RAV4 AWD

AT, LEATHER, LOW MI!

ST# 27961PM

16,993

$

2007 DODGE QUAD CAB SLT 4WD

HEMI, 8 CYL., AUTO, A/C ALLOYS

ST# A28066A

18,964

$

2.5S 5SPD, PGROUP, ONLY 22K!

ST# 235628A

12,849

$

2006 CHEVY HHR LT

ST# A235231C

9,961

4 CYL, AUTO, LEATHER, MOONROOF, ALLOYS, 75K

$

2008 TOYOTA TACOMA X-CAB 4X4

6 CYL, AT, ONLY 18,000 1 OWNER MILES!

$

ST# 235670B

22,399

2007 TOYOTA RAV4

AWD AT, PGROUP, ONLY 68K!

ST# A235358A

15,972

$

2008 SCION XD

AT, PGROUP, ONLY 18K 1OWNER MI!

ST# 28031PM

12,995

$

2005 TACOMA X-CAB 4WD

6 CYL., 5 SPEED, A/C, 100K

ST# A235681D

14,999

$

WWW.DOWNEASTTOYOTA.COM

OTHER GREAT VALUES IN STOCK:

28091PM A235765A1 234506A 28076PM 28077PM 28078PM 28081PM 28080PM 28083PM 28052PM 235723A 28086PM A235517A 235325A 235395A 150408A 235834A 28072A1 235402A 235866A 28064PM 28059PM 28067PM 28069PM 28070PM 28065PM 28068PM A150405A 235200A 28061PM A235139B 27999PM 235602A 235668A 235342A 235556A 235280A 28006PM 28049PM 235164B 235621A 28051PM 235328B 28043PM 28041PM 235513A 28030PM 235321A 28000PM A234222A

10 TOY YARIS 4DR BLUE 14K ............................................... $12,999 04 VIBE WGN AT SR 77K ........................................................ $9,699 09 TOY CAMRY SE GRAY 29K ............................................... $16,876 10 TOY COROLLA LE SILVER 18K ........................................ $14,973 09 TOY COROLLA S GRAY 26K ............................................. $14,993 08 TOY CAMRY LE LEATH GRAY 25K ................................... $16,481 10 TOY MATRIX BLUE 13K...................................................... $14,960 10 TOY YARIS RED 18K .......................................................... $11,933 10 TOY CAMRY LE SILVER 20K ............................................. $16,872 10 TOY CAMRY LE SR GREEN 25K ....................................... $17,634 08 TOY YARIS BLUE 47K ........................................................ $9,918 09 TOY CAMRY LE GRAY 35K ............................................... $16,499 05 TOY COROLLA LE BURG 81K........................................... $9,440 09 TOY RAV4 BLUE 27K ......................................................... $18,935 07 TOY RAV4 BLUE 73K ......................................................... $14,285 05 TOY TACO DCAB BURG 30K ............................................ $20,885 06 TOY RAV4 SPORT BURG 66K ........................................... $16,384 08 TACO DCAB LBED BURG 43K .......................................... $23,999 08 JEEP LIBERTY SILVER 31K .............................................. $15,722 08 TOY TACO DCAB> BURG 29K ........................................... $23,999 10 TOY CAMRY LE GREEN SR 27K........................................ $17,655 08 TOY CAMRY LE SILVER 25K.............................................. $14,996 10 TOY COROLLA CE WHITE 15K.......................................... $13,962 08 HYU ELANTRA BURG 40K................................................. $11,388 08 SCION XB AT BURG 56K ................................................... $11,966 10 TOY YARIS 5D HB SILVER 20K ......................................... $11,997 10 TOY COROLLA LE BEIGE 3K ............................................ $15,752 05 TOY CAMRY LE BEIGE 85K............................................... $10,899 08 TOY CAMRY HYBRID SILVER 10K .................................... $18,699 09 TOY COROLLA CE GRAY 42K .......................................... $12,937 07 CHEV XCAB 2WD AT BLUE 53K ....................................... $14,925 10 TOY YARIS SEDAN AT, A/C, ONLY 12K! .......................... $12,899 10 VOLVO S40 SEDAN AT, PGROUP, ONLY 8K 1-OWNER MILES! ...... $20,699 11 TOY TACO DCAB PW PL 1K............................................... $27,960 07 MAZDA MIATA GR TOURING ONLY 7K 1-OWNER MILES......... $18,495 08 CHEVY 1500 2WD, 6CYL, AT, ONLY 18K 1-OWNER MILES!..............$14,853 09 TOY AVALON LTD 6CYL, SR, NAVIGATION, ONLY 32K... $24,310 07 FORD FOCUS SE AT, PGROUP, ONLY 39K....................... $9,327 10 TOY COROLLA S BLUE 18K ............................................. $16,450 07 TOY CAMRY XLE GRAY 46K ............................................. $15,970 09 TOY COROLLA S WHITE 10K ........................................... $15,299 10 TOY CAMRY LE GRAY 20K ............................................... $16,980 07 TOY YARIS 4DR BLUE 35K ................................................ $9,693 09 TOY COROLLA LE BEIGE 11K........................................... $14,780 08 TOY CAMRY LE GREEN 41K.............................................. $14,879 08 SCION XB BLUE 40K.......................................................... $12,955 08 TOY CAMRY LE SILVER SR 20K ....................................... $16,960 07 TOY AVALON XLS BEIGE 51K ........................................... $17,820 10 TOY YARIS GRAY 12K ........................................................ $12,864 08 TOY YARIS SILVER 24K...................................................... $9,972

DOWNEAST TOYOTA IS NOT LIABLE FOR ANY ERRORS IN PRICE OR DESCRIPTION INFORMATION PRINTED IN THIS AD

DOWNEAST TOYOTA-SCION • 1-800-TOYOTAS Conveniently located between Marden’s and the Super WalMart in Brewer •

652 WILSON STREET, BREWER, MAINE

BREWER, MAINE

Page 8 Autorama

Cyan Magenta Yellow Black

8 | BANGOR DAILY NEWS | Monday | February 21, 2011

Toyota 4Runner handles highways and rough terrain with style & ease

By Edmunds.com The 2011 Toyota 4Runner is, as it has always been, an off-road SUV that is very well-mannered in the city. After a redesign last year, the 4Runner returns mostly unchanged, with one notable exception: The previously available inline-4 engine is no longer offered.

This leaves the plenty powerful V6 as the sole engine choice for the 2011 Toyota 4Runner. Besides ample horsepower and impressive off-road prowess, the 4Runner counts a civilized driving demeanor and a spacious interior among its other strengths.

Climbing peaks and navigating treacherous terrain is what the 4Runner is best at. Just like a traditional SUV, it features body-on-frame construction and a solid rear axle suspension, although it also incorporates the latest in off-road technology with Toyota’s Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS), which can disconnect the front and rear stabilizer bars for greater wheel articulation over rough terrain at speeds below 40 mph.

Opting for the Trail trim level further enhances the 4Runner’s wilderness-taming attitude with black-plastic fender flares and rocker panels (for easier and less expensive replacement), a locking rear differential, hill-start assist and hill-descent control, durable off-road tires, and even water-resistant upholstery.

The midsize 2011 Toyota 4Runner SUV is offered in three trim levels: SR5, Trail, and Limited.

Standard features on the 4Runner SR5 include 17-inch cast-aluminum wheels, skid plates, heated outside mirrors with turn indicators and puddle lights, fog lights, air-conditioning with rear ventilation, cruise control, full power accessories, a power rear window, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a trip computer and an eightspeaker CD/MP3 audio system with an auxiliary audio jack. The SR5 is available in either rear-wheel drive or fourwheel drive.

The 4Runner Trail level is only available as a 4WD model. It supplements the SR5’s equipment list with a hood scoop, black fender flares and rocker panels, a locking rear differential, Crawl Control, off-road-oriented tires, tinted head- and taillights, a sunroof, and a back-up camera that displays in the rearview mirror.

The Limited is available only with full-time all-wheel drive and includes 20-inch cast-aluminum wheels, Toyota’s X-REAS adaptive suspension dampers, keyless entry and ignition, automatic headlights, dual-zone automatic climate control, a 15-speaker JBL audio system with a six-disc CD

NEWS PHOTO BY BRIAN SWARTZ

Painted Diamond White Pearl, this 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport SE offers all wheel control, a 2.0liter DOHC I4 MIVEC engine, a continuously variable transmission, the FUSE hands-free link system, steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, 18-inch alloy wheels, four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, heated front seats and exterior mirrors, black roof rails, fog lights, an optional cargo package, and a sixCD/MP3 in-dash head unit, and a tonneau cover. This urban crossover is available at Quirk HyundaiMitsubishi in Bangor.

Mitsubishi unveils Outlander Sport

By Brian Swartz SPECIAL SECTIONS EDITOR

NEWS PHOTO BY BRIAN SWARTZ

Available at Downeast Toyota in Brewer, this 2011 Toyota 4Runner sports a 4.0-liter V6, a five-speed automatic transmission, part-time 4WD with Active TRAC, the Star Safety System, rear parking-assist sonar, front-and-rear vented disc brakes, AC, power door locks and windows, and Toyota’s Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System. This attractive 4Runner is painted Salsa Red Pearl. changer, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, leather upholstery, heated front seats, and power lumbar support for the driver seat.

Many features incorporated by the 4Runner Trail and Limited are available as options for the SR5 model, though specifics will vary based on the region of the U.S. in which you live.

Other option highlights include a voice-activated navigation system and a third-row seat. The KDSS off-road suspension is available only on Trail models.

The 2011 Toyota 4Runner comes standard with a 4.0-liter V6 that produces 270 horsepower and 278 poundfeet of torque. A five-speed automatic is the only available transmission. The SR5 and Limited can be had in either rear-wheel or four-wheel drive (parttime dual-range system on SR5; fulltime system on the Limited), while the Trail comes only with part-time dualrange 4WD. When properly equipped, the 4Runner’s towing capacity tops out at 5,000 pounds.

Standard 4Runner safety features include antilock disc brakes (with

brake assist), stability and traction control, active front head restraints, front knee airbags, front-seat side airbags, and full-length, roll-sensing side curtain airbags.

In government crash tests, the 4Runner scores a perfect five out of five stars for driver protection in frontal collisions and four stars for the front passenger. Five stars have been awarded in side impact tests for both front and rear passengers. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awards its top rating of “Good” for both frontal offset and side-impact protection.

The Toyota 4Runner offers spacious seating for five passengers. The optional third-row seat increases the count to seven. With all seats folded flat, maximum cargo capacity is a useful 90 cubic feet. An optional sliding rear cargo deck can support up to 440 pounds. Tailgate partygoers will appreciate the optional Party Mode, which directs most of the audio system’s sound to the speakers in the liftgate and increases bass response for a thumpin’ good time.

With the 2011 Outlander Sport, Mitsubishi has targeted a market segment long overlooked by carmakers. In the “green era,” sport utilities are downsizing as gas prices rise.

The genre won’t go away because many drivers appreciate SUV handling and styling — and the Outlander Sport blends both into a compact vehicle that should deliver 24 mpg/29 mpg, city/highway, according to the EPA. As a “first-year model,” the Outlander Sport competes in the “compact SUV” market, says Scott Mullins, sales and leasing consultant at Quirk Mitsubishi in Bangor. “It’s a cross-over. It’s a car-based SUV, based on the Lancer platform.

“With gas prices being what they are, in the Northeast there’s a strong market for sport-utility vehicles,” Mullins said. He indicated that Mitsubishi expects the compact SUV market to increase by more than 400 percent by summer 2013.

Mitsubishi offers the Outlander Sport in two models, ES and SE. A 2.0-liter MIVEC I4 powers both models, which also features a CVT (continuously variable transmission), heated exterior mirrors, privacy tinted glass, a leatherwrapped steering wheel, rear-floor heater ducts, Mitsubishi’s FUSE Hands-Free Link System, power locks and windows, Sportronic steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters, and a front map light.

The ES is available only in two-wheel drive; the SE offers 2WD or AWC (all-wheel control), which combines active stability control with electronically controlled four-wheel drive. A round dial mounted on the center console lets a driver select 2WD, 4WD, or Lock.

With its flowing lines, the Outlander Sport definitely says “sport utility” at first glance. A walk-around inspection conducted in the Quirk Mitsubishi showroom revealed the vehicle’s SUV styling, from the window melding into the roofline to the sharply angled tailgate. The wide HID headlights and LED combination tail lights lend SUV styling, as does the chrome-surround grille.

The Sport and Outlander share the same 105.1-inch

wheelbase, but Mitsubishi shortened the Sport to 169.1 inches (14.1 feet) versus the Outlander’s 183.7 inches (15.3 feet).

Surprisingly — and pleasantly so — Mitsubishi designers did not chop the differential 14.6 inches from the Sport’s leg room; I’m average height, and my legs found sufficient space when tucked behind the driver’s seat. And as calculated by Mitsubishi engineers, the “passenger volume” within the Sport is 97.5 cubic feet versus the Outlander’s 100.4 cubic foot; “passenger volume” means the actual space dedicated to the cabin’s occupants and not to accumulative interior space.

According to Scott Mullins, designers kept the Sport spacious when “they spread the wheelbase out toward the bumpers as far as you can get.” The Sport’s shorter length translates to lighter weight: 3,263 pounds or 337 pounds less than the larger Outlander. Equipped with electricpower assist rack-and-pinion steering, the Sport “responds quickly to the wheel,” Scott says.

Both Outlander Sports feature keyless entry; the SE incorporates Mitsubishi’s Fast-Key System, which lets a driver unlock a door or start the vehicle while the key remains concealed in a pocket or purse. Starting the SE with a Fast-Key requires the driver to depress the brake pedal while pressing the Start/Stop Engine button; this safety feature prevents a young child from starting the vehicle and placing it in gear.

Painted Diamond White Pearl, the Outlander Sport SE that I checked out at Quirk Mitsubishi had the optional panoramic glass roof, equipped with a retractable inner cover and LED mood lighting. The latter feature softly illuminates the roof ’s edges as daylight diminishes.

“From a price standpoint,” the 2011 Outlander Sport “is outstanding,” Scott says. “And Mitsubishi has the same warranty as Hyundai: bumper-to-bumper is five years or 60,000 miles, and the limited powertrain warranty is 10 years or 100,000 miles.

“The Outlander Sport would be a young person’s car, for a family with one or two young children,” he says. “You have the room in back to store groceries or luggage or all the kids’ bags and toys. It’s a great vehicle.”

’11 Ford Explorer can seat seven people & carry lots of cargo

By Debra Bell

try-exclusive MyFord and MyFord Touch systems. These systems integrate navigation, climate control, entertainment, and phone settings into one panel as well as on the steering wheel. I’ve been impressed by this before, and each time I ride in a Ford with this system, I fall a little bit more in love.

The Ford Explorer is a mainstay in Ford’s line. As a sport utility vehicle, it’s meant to be a sleek powerhorse capable of carrying lots of cargo in comfort. And by cargo, the 2011 Explorer isn’t just talking about bags and boxes. This newly re-imagined vehicle can accommodate seven adults in its three rows of seats and still have room for storage behind the third row.

But don’t think you’ll get stuck in the third row. While the Explorer features four doors, it also is host to PowerFold that allows passengers in the third row to exit the vehicle at the touch of a button.

Homeowners will appreciate the Explorer’s PowerFold Third-Row Seat.

The touch of a button can fold the

seats flat to accommodate large, bulky items. The third row of seating can also be adjusted manually. And with its 80.7 cubic feet of cargo capacity, the Explorer is a boon to busy people.

The Explorer boasts a keyless ignition, operated by Ford’s industry exclusive MyKey system. The MyKey sits in your pocket, purse, briefcase, or bag, and as long as it’s within range of the Explorer, the vehicle will start and run. The MyKey system is a must have for families with new drivers as it monitors and increases the safety of young drivers.

Pulling out of Darling’s Ford, located at 403 Hogan Road in Bangor, I was reminded briefly how large a SUV actually is. But in no time, it was like driving a sedan … on steroids.

The Explorer’s wheels expertly navigated the slushy, snowy terrain that is Hogan Road. And the Explorer has a presence that’s hard to ignore.

Turning onto Mount Hope Avenue and then onto Route 2, the Explorer quietly and quickly rounded corners with the ease of a small car. Increased

audio controls.

With a new Cruze, Chevrolet offers a free three-months’ subscription to Continued from Page 3 XM radio.

At Quirk Chevrolet, the Cruze LS hands-free cell-phone technology — and Cruze LT models sell well “because which is standard on the 2LT and LTZ of the small difference in the options,” and optional on other Cruzes — “a Quirk said. “Being in Maine, cruise safety feature,” Quirk noted. Bluetooth control is definitely important.” The LT also adds steering-wheel mounted and upgraded models offer this feature; the LS does not.

Cruze buyers “range from an 18year-old headed off to college to people in their 40s and 50s,” Quirk said.

“They all have different reasons why they like the car, but they cite the quality and affordability. The entry level is $16,995 with power locks and windows and the six-speed manual transmission. You can upgrade to heated leather seats, rear park assist, a sun-

roof, remote start, and an optional sunroof for $24,000 or so.”

Available in eight exterior colors, the 2011 Cruze features seating for five people. All five models carry such standard equipment as: • Solar-tinted glass; • Rack-mounted electric power steering; • A front suspension with MacPherson struts; • A compound crank with Z-link rear suspension; • Daytime running lamps; • A tire pressure monitor; • An electric rear window defogger; • Power door locks; • An auxiliary audio input jack (a USB port comes standard on the 2LT and LTZ and optional on the other three models).

SPECIAL SECTIONS WRITER

Driving the new 2011 Ford Explorer Limited was like visiting with an old friend. It was immediately comfortable, immensely entertaining, and felt safe.

In a word: sublime.

Before setting off on my test drive, the sales representative helped me get situated in the driver’s seat. As a height-challenged — a.k.a. short — driver, I usually have to have the seat close to the steering wheel in order to reach the petals. But that’s not the case in the 2011 Explorer. Instead, the petals came to me, allowing me to sit a safe distance from the steering wheel and its air bag. In the event of an accident, this feature will keep me safe and reduce any injuries from a deploying air bag.

In the last year I’ve test driven several other Ford vehicles, and Ford is known for its tech-savvy systems. The 2011 Explorer features Ford’s indus-

Cruze

visibility from sitting higher gave me a new perspective on the roads I’m so familiar with. The Explorer’s 3.5 liter DOHC V6 engine — a best-in-class engine for both fuel economy and horsepower — purred as we zipped through Veazie and turned onto Chase Road.

Unique to the Explorer in 2011 is its class-exclusive Intelligent four-wheel-

drive terrain-management system, located on the center console.

Whoever came up with this new feature must have been from New England. The terrain management system allows the driver to help the vehicle adapt to normal, mud, sand, and grass/gravel/or snow settings and provides the vehicle with extra info for a safer ride.

Talk about a smart car!

I parked the Explorer at the City Forest to briefly photograph it for this assignment, and it instantly turned heads. With a backup camera, getting the perfect angle was effortless — and safer for myself and the people and pets around me.

On the return trip back to Darling’s,

See EXPLORER, Page 9

NEWS PHOTO BY DEBRA BELL

Available at Darling’s Ford in Bangor, the 2011 Ford Explorer is the perfect SUV for just about any driver.

This Ford Explorer Limited comes in a variety of colors, including Bordeaux Reserve Red Metallic.

Van Syckle Continued from Page 3 airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags, and four-wheel disc brakes. The attractive starting price is $13,300.

The Kia Forte and Rio, two popular compacts, offer affordable alternatives to drivers on a budget.

The Forte has a leading-edge design that comes out ahead when compared to similarly priced ($13,695 starting price) models. It has impressive fuel economy, horsepower, and cabin and trunk space. Standard features include SIRIUS satellite radio, MPS jack, and Bluetooth. The Forte sedan has such state-of-the-art safety features as four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control system, electronic stability control, six airbags, and active front headrests.

The Rio has an awesome starting price of $11,695, and the Rio5 is priced at $13,895. The “class act of small cars” offers a fun and easy ride with great gas mileage (up to 35 mpg, automatic) and surprising leg room. There is a 110horsepower engine, six standard airbags, and an eight-way adjustable driver’s seat. And if that’s not enough, the Rio was rated the highest-ranked subcompact in initial quality two years in a row by JD Power & Associates.

The Kia Sedona is a world-class minivan that pulls out all the stops to help parents go full speed ahead with a fun family life. Its refined interior includes features like a premium audio system with MP3 and a DVD player to keep the kids entertained around town or on a trip.

And of even greater importance to parents, the Sedona’s safety features include six standard airbags, an Antilock Brake System, and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System.

Electronic Stability Control and a Traction Control System with brake assist are available as options.

It offers a powerful ride, with a 3.8-liter DOHC 24-valve V6 engine. The roomy interior offers plenty of cupholders and storage bins, as well as available power liftgate, power sliding doors, third-row fold-flat seats, and tri-zone AC. But it’s Kia’s unbeatable 10-year, 100,000-mile warranty that really helps keep you cool. For family fun at any speed, the Sedona is a world-class ride.

Living up to Van Syckle’s motto, “Making life affordable,” every new Kia comes with a five-year, 60,000-mile bumperto-bumper basic warranty, and a 10-year, 100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty. The service department is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday.

Van Syckle Kia-Suzuki is located at 729 Hogan Road, next to Olive Garden. The phone number is 1-800-2444559, and the Web address is www.vansyckle.com. Hours are 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday-Friday, and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Saturday.

Page 9

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Laredo Package appeals to many 2011 Grand Cherokee buyers

By Brian Swartz SPECIAL SECTIONS EDITOR

Step inside the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee to enjoy a unique traveling experience.

Relish the leg room, fore and aft. Talk quietly inside the sound-dampened cockpit. Watch the world zip past beyond the spacious windows. Let the Uconnect Media Center play a song, call a friend, or display a map — and even contact the World Wide Web with the optional Uconnect Web. The 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee does all this — and much more as I discovered while test driving a 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo X 4x4.

According to Dave Rock, a sales and leasing consultant at Quirk Jeep in Bangor, the ’11 Grand Cherokee differs substantially from the ’10, inside and out and in the wallet. Chrysler has “totally redesigned” the Grand Cherokee for 2011, Dave said. Now “longer by 5.3 inches” (providing an additional 4.1 inches of rear leg room), the Grand Cherokee features three models: • The entry-level Laredo, offering such standard equipment as the QuadraTrac 1 4WD System, electronic stability control, dual-zone AC, and tinted glass; • The Limited, standard with the Quadra-Trac II 4WD System, Selec-Terrain (a traction control system), remote start, a CommandView dual-pane sunroof, Uconnect Phone, and an upgraded Uconnect Media Center with Garmin navigation and a 28-gig hard drive; • The Overland, also equipped with Quadra-Trac II and Selec-Terrain and the CommandView sunroof. Additional standard equipment ranges from 20-inch Satin Carbon painted wheels to a rear back-up camera, a rear park assist system, heated seats, a power liftgate, and an Alpine premium audio system.

Jeep equips all 2011 Grand Cherokees with a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 that delivers 290 horsepower and gives “more performance” and “better fuel economy,” Dave said. A Pentastar V6-equipped Jeep can tow 5,000 pounds.

Optional on all Grand Cherokees is a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 with a Multi Displacement System that shuts off fuel to four pistons when the Grand Cherokee achieves “a steady cruising speed,” he said. A Jeep equipped with this engine can tow “up to 7,400 pounds,” Dave indicated.

With my pop-up trailer parked beyond a 4-foot snowbank, I couldn’t test the new Grand Cherokee’s towing capabilities, but I certainly could put the vehicle through its wintertime paces. On a cloudy afternoon in late January, Dave opened the driver’s door on an exquisite Laredo X 4x4 and explained different options, including the Keyless Enter-N-Go. Basically, as long as the key fob’s somewhere nearby, I can fire up the Laredo by stepping on the brake and pressing the start/stop button. The technology prevents a young child (or an exuberant dog) from starting the Jeep and placing it

in gear if the driver’s absent from the vehicle.

Painted Dark Charcoal Pearl Coat, the Laredo X features leather-trimmed bucket seats and the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 mated with a five-speed automatic transmission. Sliding onto a 2011 Grand Cherokee seat resembles sliding onto a comfortable lounger; driving the Laredo X resembled steering a well-equipped living room across bumpy streets and roads in Bangor, Hampden, and Hermon.

From the driver’s seat, I can actually peer over many snowbanks that block views from shorter vehicles. The Grand Cherokee stands 69.4 inches tall, placing my eyes at approximately the 60-inch level, and the large windshield provides good forward and lateral “viewability.” Overall ground clearance is 8 inches, so even a typical winter 2011 blizzard won’t slow down the Grand Cherokee.

The Laredo X handles well on and off I-95, along a few greasy Bangor streets, and on back roads in Hampden and Hermon. Selec-Terrain would let me adjust the traction control to Automatic (my preference), Sport, Snow, Sand/Mud, or Rock.

All too soon I must return the 2011 Laredo X to Quirk Jeep, where Dave Rock and I talk about the new Grand Cherokee’s safety features. He explains that standard on all 2011 Grand Cherokees are: • The Ready Alert Braking System, which senses when a driver moves a foot “fast off the gas pedal,” as occurs when a collision could be imminent, Dave said.

“This system is going to assist you by applying” up to full braking power so the Grand Cherokee can stop sooner.

• Rainy Brake Support. After sensing when the wipers activate during rainy weather, this technology draws the brake pads closer to the brake rotors. This decreases potential braking time.

Optional safety features include Blind Spot Monitoring, Forward Collision Warning, Rear Cross-Path Detection, and the ParkSense Rear Park Assist System.

Available with select Laredo and Limited packages and optional on the Overland is Quadra-Lift Air Suspension, which replaces the coil springs with air springs that can lift or lower a Grand Cherokee by 4.1 inches. This technology shifts the Jeep by specific distances in five modes: Park, Aero, Normal, Off-Road 1, and Off-Road 2. The Aero Mode, for example, lowers the vehicle by 0.5 inches and “improves aerodynamics and fuel economy,” Dave said.

The 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee appeals to many people, including middleincome adults with younger children, he indicated. No matter the model, interested buyers are encountering a pleasant surprise: According to Dave Rock, all 2011 Grand Cherokees “cost less than the 2010s. We’ve had a tremendous increase in product quality and performance, with a lower price point.

“Across the country they’ve had great success” with the 2011 Grand Cherokee, he said. At Quirk Jeep, “the Laredo package is most the popular,” Dave noted.

“You get a new Grand Cherokee, and you still get a tremendous amount of options.”

NEWS PHOTO BY BRIAN SWARTZ

Painted a Dark Charcoal Pearl Coat, this 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo X 4x4 sports a 3.6-liter V6, a five-speed automatic transmission, the Quadra-Trac 4WD System, electronic stability control, fourwheel anti-lock disc brakes, Sirius Satellite Radio with a free oneyear subscription, laminated front door glass, leather-trimmed bucket seats, power doors and locks, power (and heated) exterior mirrors, and fog lamps. This Grand Cherokee is available at Quirk Jeep, located on the Hogan Road in Bangor.

GMC offers four trim levels on the crossover 2011 Terrain

By Edmunds.com The 2011 GMC Terrain is a small crossover SUV that feels grown up and refined at the same time.

Like the Chevy Equinox with which it shares everything except exterior styling, the GMC Terrain finds the middle ground between compact and midsize crossover SUVs. While it offers nearly as much interior space as a midsize Ford Edge, its lighter weight means it can make do with its standard four-cylinder engine.

There’s also a moderately powered V6 option for those who need a bit more grunt for carrying around growing children and their gear.

The Terrain’s grown-up feel isn’t just literal, however. Its designers went out of their way to make the cabin visually interesting in a segment where stark utility has generally reigned supreme. An abundance of acoustic insulation and an innovative noise-canceling system (yep, like those fancy Bose headphones) make the cabin noticeably quieter than its competitors, while the Terrain’s ride and seating is comfortable and more indicative of a bigger SUV. Overall, we’re quite fond of the 2011 GMC Terrain, which stands tall, especially if you’re stepping down from a bigger, more grown-up SUV. The 2011 GMC Terrain is a midsize crossover SUV available in SLE 1, SLE 2, SLT 1, and SLT 2 trim levels: • Standard equipment on the SLE 1 includes 17-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, tinted windows, heated mirrors, cruise control, a backseat with sliding and reclining features, a six-way adjustable driver seat, tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a rearview camera, OnStar and a six-speaker sound system with a CD player, auxiliary audio jack, iPod/USB interface and satellite radio.

• The SLE 2 adds roof rails, automatic climate control, an eight-way power driver seat, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, upgraded cloth upholstery, Bluetooth, and an eightspeaker Pioneer sound system. The Convenience package

adds heated front seats and remote engine start.

• The SLT 1 adds the Convenience package items, plus 18-inch wheels and leather upholstery.

• The SLT 2 gets rear-parking sensors, a power tailgate (with adjustable maximum height), chrome exterior trim, driver memory functions, and a sunroof.

Some of the upper trim’s extra features are available as options on the lower trims. Depending on trim, you can also select 19-inch chrome-clad wheels, a voice-controlled navigation system (with digital music storage), and a dualscreen rear entertainment system.

Every GMC Terrain comes standard with a 2.4-liter fourcylinder producing 182 horsepower and 172 pound-feet of torque. The Terrain also comes standard with front-wheel drive and a six-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is optional across the board.

In performance testing, a front-drive, four-cylinder Terrain went from zero to 60 mph in 9.4 seconds. Estimated fuel economy stands at 22 mpg city/32 mpg highway and 26 mpg combined with front-wheel drive and 20/29/23 mpg with all-wheel drive.

Optional for the GMC Terrain SLE 2 and SLT 1 is a 3.0liter V6 that produces 264 hp. In performance testing, an all-wheel-drive Terrain with this engine went from a standstill to 60 mph in 8.3 seconds. EPA-estimated fuel economy is 17 mpg city/25mpg highway and 20 mpg combined with front-wheel drive and 17/24/20 with all-wheel drive.

Every 2011 GMC Terrain comes standard with antilock brakes, stability and traction control, front-side airbags, side curtain airbags, a rearview camera, and OnStar. Rear parking sensors are optional. In Edmunds’ brake testing, a fourcylinder Terrain came to a stop from 60 mph in 121 feet. A heavier V6 model did the same task in 127 feet. Both results are about average for the segment.

In government crash tests, the Terrain’s Chevy Equinox twin received a perfect five stars in all front- and side-crash categories. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety also

See TERRAIN, Page 11

NEWS PHOTO BY BRIAN SWARTZ

Darling’s Auto Mall on Route 3 in Ellsworth carries this 2011 GMC Terrain SLT-2, equipped with all-wheel drive and painted Gold Mist Metallic. Features found on this Terrain include a 3.0-liter V6 mated with a six-speed automatic transmission, four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, StabiliTrak, Ultrasonic rear-parking assist, deep tinted glass, a power programmable lift gate, fog lamps, 18-inch machined aluminum wheels, a rear-view camera system, a sliding sunroof, heated front seats, leather seating surfaces, and a rear-seat dual-screen DVD.

2011 Honda Odyssey stresses sleeker styling, roomier interior

By Staff and Wire Reports The 2011 Honda Odyssey has been completely redesigned, and at

Darling’s Honda-Nissan-Volvo in leasing consultant.

Bangor, Odysseys are selling “almost as Highlights on the 2011 Odyssey fast as they come off the truck,” says include sleeker styling, a roomier inteMary-Anne McDermott, a sales and rior, improved fuel economy, and new features like a chilled storage box and a rear-seat entertainment system with surround-sound audio and a high-definition display.

Available as an LX, EX, EX-L, and Touring/Touring Elite, the 2011 Odyssey “has been redesigned from the ground up,” McDermott said.

Equipped with only one engine, a 248horsepower V6, the Odyssey offers such standard features as a multiinformation display, daytime running lights, 17-inch wheels, four-wheel antilock brakes, sliding side doors (powered in the EX and above), and Vehicle Stability Assist with traction control.

Honda has spruced up the Odyssey with a sleeker grille, more pronounced front fenders, and a stylized rear beltline. On the inside, occupants will find higher-quality materials and a new

Optima Continued from Page 2

NEWS PHOTO BY BRIAN SWARTZ

Painted Celestial Blue Metallic, this 2011 Honda Odyssey EX is powered by a 3.5-liter i-VTEC V6 coupled with a five-speed automatic transmission. Features found on this five-door Odyssey include fourwheel anti-lock disc brakes, two-row power windows, a seven-speaker AM/FM/CD audio system, tri-zone automatic climate control, daytime running lamps, a multi-function second-row center seat, 12-volt power outlets, and second-row sunshades. This Odyssey is available at Darling’s Honda-Nissan-Volvo in Bangor.

Explorer Continued from Page 8 the Explorer and I hit the interstate. I do a lot of driving for my job, and the Explorer would certainly make that comfortable and quiet. It quickly accelerated to full speed and purred down the interstate, contented as a cat. Some people may choose sports cars to cruise in, but I believe the Explorer

would be equally as comfortable and enjoyable.

The Explorer’s fuel economy might not be as good as a smaller vehicle, but it’s competitive for a larger vehicle at 17 miles per gallon in the city and 23 miles per gallon on the interstate, and it has an 18.4-gallon fuel tank.

This vehicle was fun, functional, and practical to drive and would be a worthy addition to any household. I’d love to explore Maine in this Explorer any day.

dual-exhaust system, USB input jacks, high-performance dampers, turn signals on the exterior mirrors (I watch one flash while waiting at a Manchester traffic light), Bluetooth connectivity, a cooling glove box, a — Wait a minute. A cooling glove box?

Pierre explains that in warm weather, the driver can put a drink or sandwich into the glove box, which “will keep it cool for you to enjoy later on.”

Wow: a cooling glove box. What will Kia engineers think of next?

The list of shared Optima features encompasses multiple airbags, anti-lock brakes, a tire-pressure monitoring system (I’ve discovered over the years that this technology can head off flat tires on the highway), and a remote keyless entry system. Various packages are available, depending on the model, but the two technology packages are available only with other specific packages.

With all its safety features, the 2011 Kia Optima has attracted attention

dash design.

The 2011 Odyssey hauls people, whether seven in the LX or eight in the other three configurations. In the second row, the multi-function center seat can hold a child-safety seat; when slid forward, the center seat places the child nearer the front seats so a passenger can assist the youngster with toys, food, or drinks. This seat also folds down; the seatback becomes a beverage tray. The larger adjacent seats slide sideways to make room for additional child-safety seats.

Thanks to a size increase (it’s about an inch longer and more than 2 inches wider than last year), the 2011 model has more legroom for second- and third-row passengers. There’s also a revised mechanism that makes the 60/40-split third-row seat easier to stow.

The 3.5-liter V6 is equipped with Variable Cylinder Management, which saves fuel, and Honda mates the V6 from the insurance industry. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has named the Optima a “Top Safety Pick” for the current model year.

Weaving through Western Avenue traffic near Charlie’s Auto Mall (Charlie’s Kia lies on its eastern edge), I signal a left turn and wind into the Kia dealership’s parking lot. Pierre comes out to greet me, and we discuss the Optima’s attributes.

They are many, especially the smooth ride and the quiet interior, attributes I had not expected to find in a small sedan. I tell Pierre that I like the Optima; he responds that many other people are telling him the same thing.

According to Pierre, the 2011 Kia Optima appeals to “families, a family of three or four. The comfort, the size: This is what people are looking for.

The Optima is an affordable vehicle, loaded with technology and offering the Kia warranty.

“Kia believe in their products” and backs that belief with a fiveyear/60,000-mile full warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, Pierre says. “You get a lot of value for less money, compared to other makes and models.”

with a five-speed automatic transmission on the LX, EX, and EX-L and a new six-speed automatic on the Touring/Touring Elite.

A reworked suspension is also new this year, giving the Odyssey a smoother ride quality while also maintaining the van’s reputation for aboveaverage handling.

The entry-level LX comes wellequipped with 17-inch steel wheels, keyless entry, automatic headlights, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a power driver seat, a 60/40-split-folding third-row seat, air-conditioning, full power accessories, cruise control, and a five-speaker sound system with a CD player and auxiliary audio jack.

Stepping up to the midrange EX adds 17-inch alloy wheels, power-sliding side doors, heated outside mirrors,

tri-zone automatic climate control, a removable front center console, the multi-function second-row seat, retractable second-row sunshades, a conversation mirror, and an upgraded audio system with 2GB of digital music storage, seven speakers, and steering-wheel-mounted controls.

EX-L versions add still more upscale standard features including a power liftgate, a sunroof, leather upholstery, a power front passenger seat, heated front seats, a chilled storage box, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, Bluetooth, satellite radio and a USB audio input.

Moving up to the Touring and Touring Elite models adds 18-inch alloy wheels, fog lamps, front and rear parking sensors, memory settings for

See ODYSSEY, Page 11

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Chevrolet looks back on 100 years of history in 2011 DETROIT – Chevrolet marks its centennial in 2011 and kicks off a year of anniversary activities at the North American International Auto Show.

Chevrolet was founded in Detroit in November 1911 by racer Louis Chevrolet and General Motors founder William C. “Billy” Durant, who developed cars that quickly earned reputations for performance, durability, and value. Those traits remain at the core of Chevrolet, which is the world’s fourth-largest automotive brand.

From the very start, Chevrolet brought technology and features typically reserved for more expensive cars to its lineup of affordable cars and trucks. The first Chevrolet – the Series C Classic Six – offered an electric starter and electric headlamps at a time when both were rarities among even luxury cars.

In the decades that followed, innovations such as safety glass, fuel injection, anti-lock brakes and electronic stability control systems were used on Chevrolet models at the same time as more expensive vehicles. Chevrolet’s early adoption of landmark technologies fundamentally changed the way they were applied to new vehicles.

Chevrolet also made performance affordable. Its early four- and sixcylinder engines were known for durability and strong performance, but it

and needs, while delivering the brand’s trademark style, value, and performance.

Chevrolet enters its second century with great momentum. The next 100 years will see Chevrolet help remake the automobile to complement the needs of evolving societies and changing resources, all with its iconic style, performance, and value.

was the 1955 introduction of Chevrolet’s small-block V-8 that began a new era in attainable high-performance. The engine would power millions of cars and trucks in the next 50 years, with its legacy passed on to a new generation of small-block V-8s used in today’s trucks and SUVs. Design heritage

Design has been a cornerstone of Chevrolet, and many models have become icons of American culture.

The soaring fins of the 1957 Chevy Bel Air epitomized the optimism of the Jet Age, while the sleek 1963 Corvette Sting Ray is regarded by many automotive historians as one of the bestlooking cars ever designed.

Other Chevrolet models’ designs had cultural impacts that resonated for decades. The Camaro, introduced in 1967, brought great design and affordable performance to younger customers. The heritage-inspired design of the fifth-generation model, introduced for 2010, quickly became the best seller among its primary competitors.

In the truck world, Chevrolet design innovations helped drive changes and create new markets in the industry. The Suburban was introduced in 1935 and continues as the longest-running automotive name-

Chevrolet milestones

plate in industry history.

The early years Swiss-born Louis Chevrolet (18781941) was a racer, mechanic, and pioneering engineer. William C. “Billy” Durant (1861-1947) was a visionary automotive marketer. Durant founded General Motors in 1908, as Chevrolet’s reputation as a daring driver — he established a land-speed record in 1905, attaining 111 mph in a special

Bangor Daily News launches Maineville Motors Web site today

By David M. Fitzpatrick BDN SPECIAL SECTIONS

For months, the Bangor Daily News has been working on an exciting new project to benefit car dealers and car hunters alike. And today, that new project is live. Maineville Motors, the BDN’s new automotive site, is online at www.MainevilleMotors.com, geared up and ready to help car shoppers and car dealers connect with each other.

“It’s a virtual showroom,” said Martha Ward, New Media product manager at the Bangor Daily News, who spearheaded the site’s design and launch. “It’s a virtual car lot for the entire state.”

The site is a major boon for car shoppers, no matter where they are. It enables them to search all participating car dealers statewide to find what they’re after. Visitors don’t need to set up accounts, and they can customize their searches by make, model, body type, color, mileage, year, dealer location, and more. If a search doesn’t come up with any exact hits, the site will suggest vehicles close to the search criteria. Shoppers can tag vehicles and save them to their “Showrooms” for later review.

Dealers benefit from the qualified leads the site generates and from having their entire inventories listed on Maineville Motors. The best part is that there’s no extra work on their part; the site software connects with the dealer’s system and automatically pulls the information, regardless of the system the dealer uses.

“It gets their inventory in front of our Bangor Daily News audience,” Ward said. “People already trust us to get information and news; now they know that they can come to us as well to get information about cars.”

Dealers of all sizes are welcome to participate in Maineville Motors. The

BDN has packages for every size dealer, from the big auto malls to the small-town dealers. The premiumpackage dealers earn rotating spots at the top of the Maineville Motors home page, giving them increased visibility.

And dealers have full-featured pages right on the site.

Dealers can run videos and even offer 360-degree exterior views, and shoppers can even change the colors of some cars on the fly. They can check out car photos from different angles, and in many cases have close-up looks at the interiors. If they have questions, they can visit the dealers’ info pages, where he’s just a click away from an email, a contact form, a toll-free number, or the dealer’s Web site.

Shoppers reduce the time spent driving around. Using Maineville Motors, they can easily target exactly what they want before heading out to the right place — all from the comfort of their living rooms. And even though

Terrain Continued from Page 9 gave the Equinox and Terrain the best possible rating of “Good” in its frontal-offset, side, and roof-strength tests.

The GMC Terrain’s cabin is remarkably stylish, particularly by the standards of this typically utilitarian segment. The slick-looking dashboard design is quite modern, and the Terrain’s high-tech navigation and entertainment options only heighten its appeal.

In terms of accommodations, the Terrain (and its Equinox sibling) boasts the most welcoming backseat in the class thanks to a rear bench that

they’ll save time, they’ll still enjoy visiting the site.

“People who are going to shop for cars on our site will be spending a lot of time on the site, because there’s so much that they can do with it,” Ward said.

Maineville Motors is a sleek site, fun and easy to use, and loaded with features to make a shopper’s car-hunting experience as smooth and easy as possible.

“We’re hoping to give the users a complete car-shopping experience online,” Ward said. “We’re hoping to give the dealers another way to get their product in front of a very large audience — with proven results.”

Want to learn more? Visit www.MainevilleMotors.com and check out the new site. If you’re a dealer who is interested in joining the site, contact Nicole Stevens at (207) 9908283 or nstevens@bangordailynews.com. both reclines and slides. This makes it perfect for the legs of big kids and the car seats of little kids.

The Terrain’s base four-cylinder engine should provide enough acceleration for most buyers. The Terrain remains one of the most fuel-efficient SUVs on the road. If you frequently haul around a lot of people or cargo, the optional V6 should provide the needed grunt.

On the move, the 2011 GMC Terrain is impressively quiet and boasts a comfortable ride indicative of a much bigger, more expensive SUV. However, we’d suggest sticking with the 17- or 18-inch wheels.

The Terrain’s capabilities when it comes to handing won’t have you thinking “sports car,” but certainly will make you think of a “car.”

open race car — continued to grow.

Durant hired Chevrolet for high-profile races and promotional drives.

In 1910, Durant was forced from the company he founded, but wouldn’t be deterred from the burgeoning auto industry. He regrouped with other partners, including Chevrolet, to develop a new car. Durant believed Chevrolet’s reputation as a racer would help sell the car, so it was named for him. The Chevrolet company was founded in 1911 and its first car, the Series C Classic Six, was a large, finely crafted motorcar that sold for $2,150 or the equivalent of nearly $50,000 today, when adjusted for inflation.

Despite its high price, the Chevrolet was well regarded for its style, precision, and comfort. Durant was also producing a smaller, more affordable car called the Little.

Sales of both were strong, but Durant recognized the strength of the entry-level field and steered his company in that direction. The Chevrolet Series C and the Little were produced through 1913. In 1914, the basic Little platform was remade as the Chevrolet Model L, and later that year, the Model H was introduced.

Durant left General Motors in 1920.

He established another car company and became a prominent Wall Street investor.

The stock market crash of 1929 proved fatal for both endeavors. He was bankrupt by 1936 and died in 1947 and was buried at the Woodlawn Cemetery in the Bronx.

Louis Chevrolet also lost his fortune during the Great Depression. He returned to his vocational skills and worked as a mechanic at a Chevrolet factory in Detroit. He died in 1941 and was buried in Indianapolis, near the famous speedway where he forged his

reputation as a fearless racer and innovator.

The electrically driven Volt leads Chevrolet into its second century and redefines what a car means. It is the world’s first mass-produced electric vehicle with extended range, providing up to 379 miles of driving. That means Volt provides the benefits of an electric vehicle without the range limitations associated with other electric vehicles in the market. It exemplifies Chevrolet’s heritage of introducing advanced technology on value-driven products.

The forward-looking philosophy that nurtured Volt from concept to production is also responsible for products such as the Equinox and Cruze, whose value stories are validated by critical praise, third-party recommendations, and the growing numbers of customers who are new to Chevrolet.

On the truck side, Silverado delivers the greatest capability in the long history of Chevy trucks, with greater capability and efficiency on the horizon.

This year, Chevrolet launches the all-new Sonic in North America. Next year, the Spark comes to America, bringing the Chevrolet spirit to a new and growing segment of smaller, highly efficient, and fun-to-drive cars.

Chevrolet is also exploring a range of concepts and new-product segments.

Cruze, Sonic, and Spark are products of Chevrolet’s growing global presence. Indeed, the Chevy “bowtie” insignia is seen on vehicles in more than 130 countries, and Chevrolet is leveraging those worldwide links to develop products tuned for local tastes

1911 – Chevrolet is founded and the Series C Classic Six is unveiled, priced at $2,150.

1914 – Chevrolet’s iconic “bowtie” logo is used for the first time. The Model H launches with a durable fourcylinder engine that helps build Chevrolet’s reputation as a dependable car. The engine would power Chevrolets through 1928.

1917 – Chevrolet becomes a division of General Motors.

1918 – Chevrolet’s first trucks are introduced, one based on the Model 490 chassis and a heavy-duty 1-ton chassis.

1929 – A new overhead-valve sixcylinder is introduced and marketed as “the six for the price of a four.” Its prominent slotted-head bolts earned the engine the nickname “Stovebolt” – a name that came to symbolize Chevrolet’s toughness and durability.

1934 – Chevrolet introduces an independent front suspension.

1942 – Chevrolet stops building civilian vehicles and dedicates its production facilities to manufacturing armaments for World War II. 1953 – The Corvette is introduced.

Only 300 of the fiberglass-bodied sports cars are produced that first year, but they launch an American icon that is still going strong nearly 60 years later.

1956 – The “Dinah Shore Chevy Show” launches as a one-hour TV show, with Shore singing “See the USA in your Chevrolet” at the close of each show.

1957 – Fuel injection is offered for the first time.

1962 – The Beach Boys record “409” – an ode to Chevrolets powered by the 409 engine, which were burning up the quarter-mile at drag strips across the country.

1967 – The Camaro is introduced, offering a wide range of personalization options, as well as high-performance engines that would immediately establish it as a muscle car to contend with.

1986 – Corvette is the first Chevrolet with anti-lock brakes, a feature that would soon spread to almost all Chevrolet models.

Odyssey

traction control, active front head restraints, side-impact airbags for front seat passengers, and side curtain airbags that cover all three rows.

Honda designers have added a handful of clever details, including a new removable center console with a handy flip-up trash bag holder and a “cool box” beverage cooler built into the bottom of the dash’s center section.

On the electronics front, the new “multiview” back-up camera offers three different driver-selectable perspectives on the area behind the rear bumper.

Considering it essentially uses the same powertrain as the previous generation, it should come as no surprise that the 2011 Honda Odyssey LX and EX models feel very familiar.

Performance is more than adequate for most people’s daily needs. Touring models are a bit more responsive thanks to their six-speed automatic transmission that executes shifts quickly and smoothly.

Complementing this extra oomph is a retuned suspension that delivers a comfortable ride and excellent handling. Part of the credit for this aboveaverage drivability goes to the reworked body structure that’s both more rigid and between 50 and 100 pounds lighter depending on the model.

“It’s like driving in your living room,” said Melissa Cote, a Darling’s Honda sales and leasing consultant.

“You don’t really feel like your driving a minivan,” McDermott said.

Continued from Page 9 the driver, retractable third-row sunshades, and a fold-down armrest for third-row passengers and both the navigation and rear-seat entertainment systems as standard. The new Touring Elite model adds xenon headlights, a blind spot warning system, an upgraded rear-seat entertainment system with a 16-inch HD widescreen video monitor (with HDMI input), and a premium 650-watt, 12-speaker surround-sound audio system.

The 2011 Honda Odyssey comes standard with antilock disc brakes with brake assist, electronic stability and

The next century

Subaru 2.5i Outback blends sedan’s ride comfort with SUV utility

By Brian Swartz SPECIAL SECTIONS EDITOR

All 2011 Outbacks feature symmetrical all-wheel drive, a Subaru trademark. “Subaru was the only [car] manufacturer to market their product line as all-wheel drive,” Skovgaard said.

Other Outback features include a oneof-a-kind traction control system and vehicle dynamics control.

Subaru offers six trim levels in its 2011 Outbacks: a base 2.5i and base 3.6R and Premium and Limited trim levels in both models. Shared equipment ranges from roof rails with integrated cross bars to reclining rear 60/40 split seats, electronic cruise control, a keyless entry system, and daytime running lamps.

At Stanley Subaru, “the most popular trim level with our customers is the

2.5i Outback Premium with the AllWeather Package,” Skovgaard said.

This package includes heated front seats and side mirrors and windshield wiper de-icers. These features, when combined with Subaru’s vaunted AWD and traction control and vehicle dynamics control, make the 2.5i Outback a great car to drive in Maine winters.

“Subaru in their product line doesn’t go for radical changes as often as domestic car manufacturers,” Skovgaard said. “Subarus are known for their five-star safety ratings, quality of the product, and longevity.” He mentioned recently taking in trade a Subaru Forester with 341,000 miles on its odometer; the Forester still com-

TRENTON — After capturing a top national award last year, the 2011 Subaru 2.5i Outback rolls onto Maine highways and byways with only minor changes from its 2010 restyling.

The 2.5i Outback captures strong attention at Stanley Subaru on Route 3 in Trenton. “Most of our customers come from the Down East area,” but the dealership also sells many new Subarus to customers “from all regions of Maine and the New England area,” said General Sales Manager Charles Skovgaard.

Referring to the 2011 Outback, he noted that “the utility of the vehicle makes it most appealing to the Down East consumer. It combines the ride comfort of a sedan with the versatility of a sport utility vehicle.

“Subaru classifies” the 2011 2.5i Outback as a “crossover wagon,” he said. “It can do a lot of things, and do them in style.”

Revamped in 2010, the Subaru 2.5i Outback took Motor Trend’s Sport Utility Car of the Year award last year.

The 2009 Subaru Forester garnered the same award in ’09; no other carmaker has earned this prestigious award in back-to-back years.

According to Skovgaard, Subaru made “some minor products changes” to the 2011 2.5i Outback. These changes include breakaway exterior side mirrors, some color changes, and “an upgrade in the stereo,” he said.

NEWS PHOTO BY BRIAN SWARTZ Subaru offers the 2011 Outback as At Stanley Subaru on Route 3 in Trenton, this 2011 Subaru Outback the 2.5i, equipped with a 2.5-liter 2.5i Premium is equipped with a 2.5-liter SOHC four-cylinder Subaru SOHC four-cylinder engine, and the Boxer engine, Lineartronic CVT with a six-speed manual mode, 3.6R, equipped with a 3.6-liter DOHC symmetrical all-wheel drive, vehicle dynamics control, four-wheel antisix-cylinder engine. Both engines are lock disc brakes, a roll-over sensor, 17-inch alloy wheels, a 10-way horizontally opposed Subaru Boxer adjustable power driver’s seat, cruise control, a leather-wrapped engines that deliver excellent horse- steering wheel, a back-up warning sensor, a 110-volt power outlet, a power: 170 on the 2.5i and 256 on the remote engine starter, and the All-Weather Package, which adds 3.6R. heated front seats and exterior mirrors.

manded an above Kelly Blue Book trade value. Ninety-five percent of Subarus sold in the last 10 years are still on the road, and among all car manufacturers, only Subaru has seen an increase in sales for the last two years in a row.

As for Outback buyers at Stanley Subaru, “the demographics are really across the board,” Skovgaard said. “It’s a vehicle that appeals to everybody.

Young professionals just starting out can buy an Outback in the $21,000 range, and from there it goes up to

around $34,000 for a fully equipped 3.6R six-cylinder Limited.”

Stanley Subaru is the only Maine Subaru dealer to offer a lifetime, unlimited-mileage powertrain warranty “on any pre-owned Subaru purchased here,” Skovgaard said.

Stanley Subaru also includes Tires for Life, a “preferred guest package” that “is complimentary with the purchase of every new Subaru,” Skovgaard said. “The Tires for Life program had awarded over $350,000 worth of complimentary tires to our guests.”

Even on a sunny, but cold winter’s day, Mainers stop by Stanley Subaru to check out the 2011 2.5i Outback and other available models. Subaru sales are strong not only in Maine, but across the country, according to Skovgaard.

“At Stanley Subaru, we treat our customers like guests and part of the family,” he said. “That’s part of what makes Stanley Subaru the smart choice.

“We’re getting the message out, and people are noticing,” Skovgaard said.

Blizzard? Nor Easter?

No Problem in a Subaru!

207.667.4641 1.800.439.8989 www.stanleysubaru.com 22 Bar Harbor Road Ellsworth Maine 04605

Page 12

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12 | BANGOR DAILY NEWS | Monday | February 21, 2011

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