reviews – JulesOnWheelz

Modern. Relevant. Real. The 2018 VW Tiguan

Making a splash for summer, here comes the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan. Loaded with style and class, this VW is working its way into the hearts of car lovers everywhere.

This second generation Tiguan stands out in the small SUV market with its “Americanized” size (10.6 inches longer in wheel base) and storage capability (more than double the cargo room) when compared with the previous generation.

Satisfying the needs of the American market is important to Volkswagen and we see it through model re-designs and the release of the family sized Atlas.

Having laid eyes upon all the new models in one place this past February at the Chicago Auto Show, I’d say that Volkswagen is making its way back into the pocketbooks and garages of the American buyer.

The star of the show isn’t shy when it comes to fashion. The clean uninterrupted style line from front to back highlights it’s size with flair. Available 17-20″ wheels make a sporty addition to the fun-to-drive Tiguan. Volkswagen‘s history of producing fun is ever-present in today’s offerings much as it was in the icons that preceded them.

Volkswagen is working on a new American legacy, unknown to many, in Chattanooga, TN. Besides being the production home of the Atlas, Volkswagen Chattanooga is cooperating with Chattanooga State Community College and the local Hamilton County Schools.

The Mechatronics Akademie celebrated its first graduating class this year. The two-year mechatronics is an extension program at Chattanooga State for eligible Hamilton County high school students. Their day is divided evenly into high school/college courses. The combo of traditional and hands-on technical training provides opportunities to learn computing, mechanics and electronics.

Volkswagen Academy is the three-year program offered after high school. It includes on site education at CSCC and a paid internship at VW Chattanooga. Students who graduate garner a conditional job offer for employment at Volkswagen Chattanooga.

Graduating high school with forty hours of college credit and having a conditional job offer after a paid apprenticeship are needles in a haystack called the “future” and VW has found a way to guide young people into fulfilling careers while specifically training the type of workforce they need to make the hoped-for impact in the United States automobile market.

Enter models like the Jetta and Tiguan. I covered the Jetta this spring and found it equally responsive and fun-to-drive like the Tiguan. Marketing is specific to young, hip, professionals who want more performance and space. They get both with the Tiguan.

Starting at just $24,595 (in FWD) the 2.0 Liter TSI® 16-valve DOHC Turbo 4-cylinder direct fuel injection engine provides 184 horsepower and spunk to boot without sacrificing MPG. 21/27 MPG for a combined 23 MPG is exactly what I charted during its week-long stay. The “start-stop” feature can be turned on and off at the console if it’s not to your liking. Tiptronic® is an available paddle shifting option for the die-hard lovers of a manual transmission. You’re welcome.

Volkswagen’s 4MOTION® AWD with Active Control allows for customization based on conditions by just turning a knob. Press the “MODE” and more choices within the four settings appear on the 8″ Discover Media screen. Want a digital compass, steering angle display and altimeter display during off-road adventures? Done.

My first car was a Volkswagen, an orange Rabbit to be exact. It’s paint was not a luxurious as the Habanero Orange Metallic of this Tiguan. Shocker.

Ahhhhh…but I digress…moving on…

A feature that caught my eye, unique to VW, was the “Think Blue.” trainer. Whether you’re a first time driver or just trying to get the most MPGs out of a tank the “Think Blue.” trainer is an asset. Using visuals on the Discover Media screen, driving habits are analyzed in real-time and scores as well as charts are used to gauge driving efficiency.

Oh to have had this in my Rabbit back then…I would have had more quarters to spend on Centipede and Galaga at the arcade.

Creature comforts like leg room are generous in the Tiguan. The open air feel of the panoramic sunroof compliment the snug (only for small children) third row seat option. As with most small SUVs, drop the back seat and haul as much as you like but sacrifice passenger space. Not with the Tiguan. Dropping the seats in the small third row gives abundant space for kit and kaboodle while keeping the second passenger row intact.

Eye-catching, head-turning, cool. Exterior features highlight the Tiguan’s design strategically. Four trim levels, S, SE, SEL, and SEL Premium are available. My SEL Premium starts at $33,850 and clocked in at $35,545 as driven.

An available R-line® edition will be ready this fall that sports 19″ “Trenton” wheels for the SEL and 20″ “Braselton” wheels for the SEL Premium. Front and rear bumpers as well as wheel arches and skirting claim new design and exterior R-line® badging.

Last and certainly not least, the Tiguan is overflowing with safety features. Driver and front passenger front and side airbags. Side Curtain Protection® to mitigate head impact side-to-side. Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR), Engine Brake Assist (EBA), Electronic Brake-pressure Distribution (EBD) and Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA) and an Intelligent Crash Response System (ICRS).

Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Traffic Alert and Forward Collision Warning plus Autonomous Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Monitoring display in the Discover Media 8″ touchscreen along with the rear view camera fortify the Tiguan’s shield of protection.

VW CAR-NET® uses App-Connect® to integrate the Tiguan to your smart phone.

Driver care packages include the Customer First Warranty that provides for 6-year/72,000 miles. 7-year/100,000 mile corrosion perforation warranty and 3-year/36,000 mile 24-hour roadside assistance program including jump starts, towing, tire changes, out of fuel and lock-out services round out assurances from Volkswagen.

Go ahead. Give the Tiguan a look. Volkswagen is betting on it.

It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s a Pacifica!

What’s the old saying, “getting there is half the fun”? Well…I would agree. The one-two punch of the Superman Festival in Metropolis, Illinois and getting there in the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid confirms it.

Why a van? Why not!

No matter your age or station in life there’s always room for a van. Whether you’re a parent toting children back and forth to school and sports, or a grandparent who likes to have a little more room for your golf clubs on the way to see those grandchildren, or anything in-between, the Pacifica Hybrid is a “Super” choice.

Starting any trip requires some logistics. “How far, how long, how fun” are all questions being asked by the crew. “In what” can easily be answered…the Pacifica Hybrid of course. Everyone can agree on its treasure trove of “Super” assets.

First, it’s “Super” passenger space. Room for seven adults comfortably, yes comfortably, even in the third row of the Hybrid edition. A seat can be added in the second row of the gas version to bring the passenger number to full at eight.

Head, hip and leg room are all ample and suitable for the long haul. Daydreamers can drink in the blue sky via the panoramic sunroof and third row-ers have their own sunroof as well—Chrysler thought of everything. Take that nap, all the seats recline!

Creature comforts like vented/heated seats are a luxury for the driver and whoever calls “shotgun”. In the hot summer heat its a luxury few find, let alone in a van!

Up to eight humans come with quite a bit of stuff. The cargo area is spaciously “Super”. Suitcases, golf clubs, snacks, pillows, etc. all stack nicely behind the third row seat in the 32.3 cu. ft. of space.

If needed and passenger count is down, drop the third row into its Stow ‘n Go® position and more than double the holding power. Flush fit, as seen above left, can be expanded by removing the captain’s chairs for a full sheet of plywood’s space making the need for a truck obsolete for some. “Back up the truck” just got a whole new look!

Maybe there’s some room for extra Superman souvenirs after all…

Next, a “family room on wheels” is often used to describe the “Super” entertainment options in the Pacifica Hybrid. 8.4 inches of the Uconnect 4 screen in my Pacifica make travelling and controlling the rolling movie theater easy. Blue-ray™, on-board games, apps, wireless headsets, available 4G WiFi, etc. go the extra mile to give the trip a lift for those munchkins and teens alike. Add the app on your smartphone and it’s features are at your fingertips from anywhere.

One of my favorites was the License Plate game. Yes, it is as it was in the good old days, just touch the state on the screen. A good game of checkers against the computer and maybe some math practice when desperate. The driver has peace at last…except when the optional 20 speaker HARMAN KARDON® system is in use.

Active Noise Cancellation technology screens road noise but not the peals of joy as you motor down the highway in a luxury liner fit for a king. The king rules this road by taking advantage of the Chrysler Pacifica’s “Super” Hybrid capability.

84 miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe) when using both electric and gas and 33 miles in the all-electric mode. It is the only “electric” van on the market at this time. The hybrid version qualifies for a $7500 Federal Tax Credit.

Don’t think that just because it’s a hybrid that it’s not powerful. 260 hp moves the hybrid version down the interstate with a 3.6-Liter Pentastar V-6 eHybrid engine. A charging schedule can be programmed and a MOPAR charging station added to the accessories in your garage. Set up for charging when electricity costs are at non-peak for your area. The Pacifica Hybrid will let you know how long it will take to fully charge.

A Regenerative Braking System generates energy during braking and coasting that occurs in city stop/go traffic. Battery life is added without a direct plug-in.

The Pacifica gleaned 27 MPG with mixed highway and city driving in line with it’s professed 19/28 MPG combined. Click here to calculate estimated energy and fuel cost based on your driving needs.

Lastly, summer solstice beckons us come to spend long sunny days tripping the light fantastic until sunset punctuates the end-of-day. Whether it’s the Superman Festival in Metropolis, Disney World, or just to grandma’s house, the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid is ready and waiting to give you and yours a “Super” trip.

Chrysler Pacific Hybrid starts at $39,995 for the Touring PLUS.

Add $1095 for destination fee.

$48,580 as driven in Limited trim.

*NOTE: Superman was portrayed by Lonnie Johnson, Director of Heroes for Kids, a non-profit organization benefiting children and the community through fundraising events in the Perryville, Missouri area. They can be found on Facebook and directly contacted at heroesforkidsperryvillemo@hotmail.com for more information.

Steppin’ Out With the Nissan Murano

Summer road trips lead to many new experiences. No matter the destination, the Nissan Murano arrives in style with performance and a spacious interior fit for all types of fun.

Cruising the streets of my town I found myself right at home, literally, in the Nissan Murano. Seeing Muranos driving around western Kentucky, namely Paducah, I was curious what all the fuss was about. My cousin owns a Murano and LOVES it. So what makes it tick?

Nissan North America, Inc.’s headquarters being located in Franklin, TN brings the brand regional bragging rights. Rogues, Rogue Sports, and Muranos dot the landscape like junebugs in June around these parts. After driving the Nissan Murano, I now know why.

Assembled on the same line as the Nissan Frontier and Nissan TITAN trucks, the Murano hails from the Canton, MS plant. Its design and “sculptural” body sides are trademark on the 2018. Details like the boomerang-style headlights and taillights make it easy to identify day or night. Its jet-inspired roof-line provides balance as one glances from the roof rack to the 18″ wheels.

All 2018 Muranos come with Nissan’s flagship technology package, NissanConnect. Apple CarPlay™, Android Auto™ and 8 inch color display anchor the dash. Beef up the experience with options like an eleven speaker BOSE® audio system.

Ample head, side and leg room for all five passengers allows everyone from babies to basketball stars comfort in the cabin. The large, sweeping windshield gives one the feeling of captain-of-the-seas as sight lines are clear. Rear sight lines are less prominent with this cabin design.

Storage is a no-brainer with 67 cu. ft of cargo room with the second row seats flat. 32 cu. ft with them up and a 60/40 split configuration ready to be engaged.

Four trims, S, SV, SL and Platinum allow for safety options through Nissan’s Intelligent Mobility system that mitigate the rear sight lines like Blind Spot Warning (BSW) and the Intelligent Around View® Monitor. In addition, Intelligent Forward Collision Warning (I-FCW), Automatic Emergency Braking (FEB) Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC), and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) balance the Murano’s size with information at the driver’s fingertips. Cameras top off at four and radar sensors three for the complete safety trifecta.

The 3.5-liter DOHC V6 engine produces 260 horses and 240 lb-ft of torque. Its Advanced XTronic transmission senses situations and supplies the needed mechanical response to put drivers at ease whether the drive is around town or becomes a road trip.

21/28 mpg makes the Murano easy on the wallet. After all, those babies and basketball stars need to be fed right? I’d recommend Kirchoff’s Bakery and Deli and The Mellow Mushroom if you’re in Paducah.

The Nissan Murano begins and ends at $30,800 and $42,230 respectively, in FWD.

AWD brings price points of $32,200 to $43,830.

Options may be added, see Nissan’s website for more details on the Murano.

Next time you’re steppin’ out on the town, yours or mine, step into a Nissan Murano.

You’ll feel right at home.

All-New 2018 Chevy Traverse Joins the Pack

The full-size crossover SUV segment has a newly re-designed pack member in the Chevrolet Traverse.

With a starting price of less than $30,000 it is being noticed by those seeking roomy comfort for humans and all their “stuff”. An overall five-star safety rating and seating for seven/eight via three rows anchors it as a strong competitor to the Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, Ford Explorer and the Volkswagen Atlas.

Best-in-class maximum cargo space of 98.2 cu. ft. houses the “stuff”. Chevrolet is first in the industry to install a front center air bag in the Traverse complimenting the noise-cancelling cabin with the safety consumers demand.

Photo by Jules Stayton

3.6L V6 power moves this contender down the street with a 9-speed automatic transmission producing 310 horsepower @6800 rpm with 266 lb. ft. of torque. It’s not your grandma’s ride…it has a presence and power to back it up.

Seven trim levels: L, LS, LT, RS, Premier, Redline and High Country give enough variety for even the most discerning soccer Mom/Dad. An 18/27 mpg fights well in the class for efficiency and adding the 2.0L Turbo in the RS trim bumps it to 20/26 mpg.

Photo by Jules Stayton

Every husky loves to romp in the snow and this pack member is no different. 4 x 4/snow, off-road available on AWD, and tow/haul with an optional trailering package makes bringing all the necessities a breeze.

Photos by Jules Stayton

Additional options include Smart Slide® seating, hidden locked storage behind the Chevrolet MyLink touch screen, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-change alert with side blind-zone alert and teen driver technology. Teens must buckle in before using the radio, all available safety features automatically engage, and an in-vehicle report card is recorded. Parents access the pin-protected report at their leisure. The pups don’t have a chance…

Tech options continue with Apple CarPlay™, Android Auto™, optional OnStar® 4G LTE Wi-Fi® for up to seven devices, myChevrolet Mobile App and Rear Seat Reminder round out reasons to consider the Traverse.

Photo by Jules Stayton

The pack takes care of itself, so does Chevy through Chevrolet Complete Care. Standard on all 2018 models, it includes maintenance visits, 5-year/60,000 mile warranty, 24-hour roadside assistance with courtesy transportation, 5 years of standard OnStar® Basic service, and a limited trial of OnStar® Guidance.

Photo by Jules Stayton

Impressed with the ease of handling and clear visibility all around from the alpha position, heading to the third-row seat is simple with captain’s chairs flanking the front seats. Space for tall drivers, like myself, is ample.

Running with the pack requires loyalty and consistent contribution to advancing its agenda.

Bingo. Chevrolet Traverse does both nicely.

The Traverse is built in Lansing, Michigan.

$995 destination fee.

Field Trippin’ with the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta

The end of the school year brings many rewards. Field trips are one such luxury.

Volkswagen has scheduled their rewarding field trips via JETTAHAUS. Hosting this weekend are Chicago and Miami. Next week New York and Los Angeles get the nod. No matter the venue, taking the All-New 2019 Jetta for a spin scores high on any test.

I had the honor of motoring in the Jetta during its Chicago event. Holding an innovative release at the Zhou B Art Center was genius. Art and automobiles, what a combo!

Photo by Jules Stayton

Arriving, I was greeted by Mark Gilles, representative for Volkswagen. Salutations were exchanged as we waltzed toward the lineup of 2019 Jettas on hand. It’s always important to know who’s the boss on a field trip.

Standing in a straight line, like any good field trip attendee, the Jettas came in a rainbow of colors and trim packages. Mark and I agreed that the “classic line” of this re-design hit it out-of-the-ballpark in the crowded compact car segment.

Photo by Jules Stayton

The S model starts at a conservative $18,545 so I chose a beautiful Tornado Red to make my debut through the Chicago field trip route. 30 city/40 hwy mpg never looked so good.

Photo by Jules Stayton

Options are added to round-out the SE, SEL, SEL Premium and R-Line trim levels. Larger tires, panoramic sunroof, leather, blind-spot monitor, Beats Audio® and the VW Digital Cockpit are just a few of the available luxuries that customize the Jetta to each customer’s vibe. Click here for a full list of trims and options.

Photos by Jules Stayton

The “People First” limited warranty draws consumers with a 6 Year/72,000 mile security blanket that is Bumper-to-Bumper and Transferable.

Photo by Jules Stayton

Driving down Lake Shore Drive amidst the museums and sporting venues was a dream with the support of the 1.4 -liter turbocharged direct injection TSI™ four-cylinder engine. It is designed to allow higher torque at lower RPMs that adds up to more power and leaner fuel consumption.

The ride was smooth amidst the pot-holes left over from the recently shed Chicago winter. 148 hp was more than enough in the 8-speed automatic transmission of the Jetta in tow, also available in a 6-speed manual.

The “driver focused” interior boasts 10 settings in the ambient light package for just the right mood. Settings for up to 4 drivers can be stored. 8 and 10-inch navigation screens, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto make each Jetta like home for its owner.

My first car was a Volkswagen. Memories were recalled as I put the Jetta through its paces around the Shedd Aquarium, Benton Harbor, Adler Planetarium and the Field Museum.

Photos by Jules Stayton

Like any good student, the Jetta was a winner and behaved beautifully under my tutelage. It was responsive to demands and efficient in its handling and quickness in and out of parking areas.

A wonderful treat was where the JETTAHAUS event was held. The Zhou B Art Center went all out with not only Jetta displays, but pinball machines, vintage video games, music, food and fun. Sure to be a success, cars mingled with admirers young and old.

I’d like to say I’m somewhere in the middle…boy was it fun coloring on a car!

Go drive a Jetta for yourself this weekend in Chicago and Miami. Next weekend jet to New York or Los Angeles for your fix. Details can be found at www.jettahaus.com

Sign me up for a trip with the all new 2019 Jetta anytime, it was pure joy, even in the rain…unlike some end-of-the-year field trips.

Alfas Galore…and More

There’s no denying its prom season. Limousines, tuxedos, beautiful dresses, flowers, dinners out and dancing ’til dawn.

Alfa Romeo displayed all its finery in prime prom style at the inaugural 2018 meeting of the Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA). MAMA Secretary, Kelly Enright, outdid herself with beautiful tables and centerpieces complete with information about the Alfa Romeo “Prom King”, the Stelvio Quadrifoglio.

Photo by Jules Stayton

The venue was chosen carefully for this shindig, Collectors’ Car Garage in Chicago, IL. Preserve your treasured auto in a climate controlled, dustless environment. Members enjoy social events, coordinated drives and breakfast events…sounds like prom! Should your baby need detailing, an in-house staff is in place upon request. Locations in New York and Chicago provide patrons with shelter from those severe winters the Big Apple and Windy City are known for.

Photo by Jules Stayton

Pictures are a big prom deal. The flashes were flying when classic Alfa Romeos were gracing the display area. Appetites were whet with a 1969 Alfa Romeo GTV and 1986 Alfa Romeo Duetto present. The bevy of historical Alfas brought realism to the fact that current day Alfa Romeo models are award-winning and as popular as their grandfathers were.

Photos by Jules Stayton – 1969 Alfa Romeo GTV

Photos by Jules Stayton – 1986 Alfa Romeo Duetto

Introduced by the MAMA principal/president herself, Jill Ciminillo, Ben Lyon, Head of Product Marketing for Alfa Romeo spoke highly of the “Prom King”. The Stelvio was named after a twelve-mile pass in the Italian alps. The fastest production luxury SUV around the Nurburgring is another jewel in the crown of the “King”. A 0-60 mph in 3.6 seconds and 505 horsepower add to the sparkle and finish adorning the crown with all the other added amenities of the Quadrifoglio. The “Queen” was present, Alfa Romeo’s Giulia, but bowed to the “King” at this meet-up. She was glorious in white by the way…

Photo by Jules Stayton

Not to be left out, the luxury interior of the Stelvio Quadrifoglio…Alcantara 12-way front seats with thigh support and cockpit-like console and dash.

Photos by Jules Stayton – Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio interior

Signs of spring abound.

If you have an adolescent attending a prom, you know how important this rite of passage is in the life of a teenager.

The significant moments don’t end because of age.

Just ask those in attendance at the festivities in Chicago. Seeing fifty years of Alfas…that ranks right up there with prom.

The Stelvio is assembled at the FCA Cassino Plant, Cassino, Frosinone, Italy.

Stelvio pricing starts at $79,995.

The Quadrifoglio, as pictured above, hovers near $93,000.

Making Music With the Audi TT

Audi strikes a chord with fun-loving consumers via its symphony of speed in the Audi TT.

The four-ring symbol for Audi AG is an aria in itself that represents the 1932 merge of four manufacturers: Audi, DKW, Horch, and Wanderer. From the Type K to the TT the decades-old German manufacturer has been a leader in innovative ideas from left-hand drive to turbo-charged.

One such feature is the quattro® four-wheel drive system. Developed over thirty years ago for the racing branch of Audi, the quattro® has withstood the test of time and brings crisp handling and smooth performance to all Audi models. Even sunny weather is a treat when the all-wheel-drive system is constantly updating. Drive-selectable controls give an even more personalized experience.

Photo by Jules Stayton

The TT oozes racing as one takes the controls. Firmly bolstered sport seats anchor and allow full performance driving for the conductor of this concert. The focus is the road and what’s ahead. What better place to be…

Speed courtesy of a four-cylinder TFSI® (Turbocharged Fuel Stratified Injection) turbocharged 2.0 liter engine producing 220 horsepower with 258 lb-ft of torque drives the Audi TT. Click the link above to see it in action via YouTube video. Developed in 2001, see the evolution of the TFSI® in this video from Audi.

A lean 26 mpg is music to the ears of potential drivers. Whether around town or on the racetrack Audi brings a product worth consideration.

The base TT records a $43,950 price tag that includes an automatic transmission, LED tail lights, dual exhaust, adaptive rear spoiler and 18″ wheels. Twelve-way adjustable seats with a three-spoke flat bottom sport-steering wheel and paddle shifters rounds out the cockpit.

Other trim levels include the TTS coupe $52,950, TT RS Coupe $64,900, and the TT Roadster $47,450. Add a $975 destination fee to each.

The RS Coupe is the most powerful TT with an all new five-cylinder engine producing 400 horsepower. Joining Audi’s Sport model line, the 2.5-liter TFSI® delivers. 0-60 mph in 3.6 seconds and a top speed of 155 mph make it a challenging competitor to the 2019 Mercedes A-class just revealed in Amsterdam this spring.

Photo by Jules Stayton

The TT I drove on the closed course at the Autobahn CC just outside Chicago, was an ultra-responsive speed machine that fulfilled the needs of the track at hand. Littered with cones, the race was against the clock and the car’s capabilities to maneuver the staccato course before me. Dismissing the brake and managing the surge of power revealed where skill unfolded. Of the ten participants, I managed to be in the top three…another great place to be.

Photo by Jules Stayton

The track, highway or open road is your oyster and can be directed by one of four driving modes: comfort, auto, dynamic or individual. Manual transmissions provide an even more personalized experience. MacPherson struts and an aluminum sub-frame paired with a four-link rear suspension equal a lighter and balanced drive.

All the bells and whistles you can imagine are available via Audi’s MMI® (Multi Media Interface). The Audi Virtual cockpit’s digital instrument cluster displays squarely in front of the driver via a 12.3 inch high-resolution screen.

Photo by Jules Stayton

24 hours of Le Mans isn’t a race most of us will ever experience either in-person or on television but you can have a taste of Le Mans through the Audi TT and it’s TFSI® engine right out of your driveway…drift away with the sounds of performance…it will be music to your ears.

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