Elizabeth Brighton

Elizabeth Brighton Improve Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
The 2009 Toyota Corolla is a compact economy sedan. It's available in five trim levels -- base, LE, S, XLE and XRS. Base Corollas start you out with 15-inch steel wheels, air-conditioning, an MP3/WM...A-capable CD stereo with an auxiliary audio jack, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel and power mirrors. The LE gains power windows and locks, along with body-color exterior mirrors. If you select the Corolla S, the LE's equipment upgrades move to the options list, but you gain 16-inch steel wheels, full underbody spoilers, foglights, sport seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and an extra pair of stereo speakers. Essentially a luxury version of the LE, the new Corolla XLE also gets the 16-inch wheels and upgraded stereo while adding amenities like a sliding center armrest, wood-grain interior trim, electroluminescent gauges, keyless entry and variable intermittent wipers. The top-of-the-line XRS, meanwhile, builds upon the S model's equipment list. Although it forgoes some of the XLE's standard conveniences, it adds a larger engine, 17-inch alloy wheels, sport-tuned suspension and steering, a front strut tower brace, a rear deck spoiler and chrome interior trim. Cruise control is also standard on the XRS; it's optional on other Corollas. Heated mirrors and satellite radio are optional across the Toyota Corolla line, while the S, XLE and XRS are eligible for a sunroof, an upgraded JBL sound system and a navigation system (with real-time traffic). Leather upholstery is available on the S and XRS only. 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Vehicle Overview Introduction Last year, the Mitsubishi Lancer had a minor problem. Visually, it promised to be more than its humble price tag would imply. The GTS trim level, in particular, boasted a giant rear wing and 18-inch wheels that fervently declared, "I can go fast." Problem was, it actually didn't. The car's 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine produced class-competitive 0-60 sprints, but it had virtually no low-end power, requiring the driver to maintain an objectionably loud engine speed of at least 3,200 rpm in order to achieve even moderate passing power. For the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer's lower DE and ES trim level, the old engine carries over for the more sedate-driving, economy-minded consumer. But for the driver who wants his or her fast-looking car to be, well, fast, Mitsubishi has dropped a larger 2.4-liter engine into the GTS's engine bay. Thanks to increased displacement, it produces 16 more horsepower and, more importantly, 21 additional pound-feet of torque. This engine is not only more responsive, it's also substantially quieter. Zero-to-60-mph times drop by about a second, and fuel economy -- although not particularly impressive -- is about the same as the smaller engine. The 2009 Lancer isn't a mainstream economy car like a Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla, as it lacks the refinement, fuel economy and reputation to match up with these cars. But that's fine by us. In addition to its aggressive styling, the Lancer boasts above-average handling and an impressive array of high-tech features that until recently were reserved for luxury automobiles. Those interested in finding the sportiest option available could be happier with a Mazda 3, but if you're looking for a car that stands out as a viable alternative to the small sedan status quo, this Mitsubishi is worth a look. Elizabeth Brighton Owner:Either way, there's a lot of hype for the fully redesigned, second-generation 2009 Fit. Honda's plan for the car was to keep the original model's spunky spirit intact while making a few key improvements. The new car is 4.2 inches longer than the previous model. This might seem like cause for concern, but curb weight, at about 2,500 pounds, has pretty much stayed the same. Enhanced body rigidity and suspension updates provide better handling, and Honda says the new body structure benefits from the company's latest crash safety engineering efforts.
Inside, the extra length provides more room for rear passengers to stretch out. It also allows owners to fold down the rear seat without having to first remove the rear headrests. As before, you can do a lot of trick things with that rear seat, including flipping the cushions up (like in a crew-cab pickup) to create a tall cargo area. In terms of features, a telescoping steering wheel is a welcome addition. You can even get a factory navigation system and stability control for the first time. Under the hood of this four-door hatchback, you'll find a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, the same as last year. It's been revised with a number of changes, including an improved version of i-VTEC variable valve timing. Some might be disappointed that this hasn't led to dramatically higher horsepower or better EPA fuel economy estimates (they're both about the same as last year). But the overall drivability of the new Fit is noticeably better thanks to a wider spread of power. Overall, we're very impressed with the redesigned 2009 Honda Fit. Considering that we liked last year's version more than competitors like the Chevrolet Aveo, Nissan Versa and Scion xD, it would seem that the Fit has extended its superiority even further. The only hold-up will likely be price. Given the interest in this car, actual sales transaction pricing will no doubt stay close to MSRP, and that MSRP is already higher than some of its competitors'. But for the small hatchback shopper, or even car enthusiast daydreamers who need something to get to work, Honda's Fit is the best pick out there. Elizabeth Brighton Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
The 2009 Audi A4 is a four-door compact luxury vehicle available in three body styles: a sedan, a convertible (Cabriolet) and a wagon (Avant). Sedans and wagons seat up to five passengers and convertibles seat up to four. There are three trim levels for sedans and wagons with the 2.0-liter turbo engine. The base Premium trim comes standard with 17-inch wheels, foglamps, a sunroof, air-conditioning, power front seats, leather upholstery, cruise control, a split-folding rear seat, cruise control and a 10-speaker audio system with an in-dash CD player, satellite radio and an auxiliary audio jack. The Premium Plus level adds bi-xenon headlamps, LED daytime running lamps (modeled after the Audi R8's), auto-dimming side and rearview mirrors, Bluetooth phone connectivity, three-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats and a six-CD changer. In addition, the auxiliary audio jack is replaced by a dedicated iPod connector. The Prestige trim ups the wheel size to 18 inches and adds rear park distance control, keyless ignition/entry, a lane-change warning system and an upgraded 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system. All sedans and convertibles with the 3.2-liter V6 are available in these latter two trim levels only. Options on the base 2.0 T models include wood interior trim, rear-seat side airbags and a Sport package with 18-inch wheels, high-performance tires, shift paddles and sport seats. Optional on the upper trim levels is a Sport package with 19-inch wheels, a navigation system with a back-up camera, adaptive cruise control with an active braking guard (which monitors the distance between the car and traffic ahead), the Audi Drive Select adjustable suspension system, rear-seat side airbags and a choice of wood trims. Many of the standard features on the upper trim levels are available as stand-alone options on base 2.0 T models, with the exception of navigation, adaptive cruise control and the adjustable suspension driving settings. An S Line Package for Prestige trim levels includes 19-inch wheels, high-performance tires, a sport suspension, shift paddles and front sport seats with side bolsters. The convertible 2009 Audi A4 Cabriolet 2.0 T comes standard with 17-inch wheels, an automatic soft top, power front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control and a 10-speaker audio system with a six-CD/MP3 changer. The 3.2 model adds 18-inch wheels and heated front seats. Major options include adaptive bi-xenon headlights, a navigation system, the last-generation MMI system and upgraded Bose speakers. Interior Design and Special Features Cabin design is a strong point for the 2009 Toyota Corolla. The driving position better accommodates drivers of different sizes than in past years, and the control layout is as ergonomic as they come. Storage is more than ample up front, particularly with the addition of a double glovebox, though the provisions are a bit stingy in back. Materials quality is high, and fit and finish is consistent with Toyota's historically high standards. In back, the Corolla offers plenty of space for children and just enough room for adults. The trunk measures 12.3 cubic feet (average for this class) and has a wide opening. Driving Impressions Most buyers will be content with the base 1.8-liter engine, which delivers respectable acceleration in normal traffic situations. We recorded a 9.1-second 0-60-mph time in a manual-shift Corolla with the 1.8-liter, and our test car returned an impressive 29.8 mpg in mixed driving. Although the five-speed's shifter feels firm and decisive moving through the gates, we suspect its abrupt, at-the-floor clutch engagement will push many buyers to the automatic. Upgrading to the 2.4-liter engine provides a gratifying increase in low-end torque, though it does come at the expense of fuel economy. Regardless of which trim level you choose, the 2009 Toyota Corolla excels as a commuter car, as the suspension delivers a comfortable, controlled ride. Handling is uninspiring, however. Body roll is decently controlled, but the electric steering on non-XRS models provides so little feedback, you may find yourself making corrections simply to keep the car traveling in a straight line. Toyota retuned this setup for the XRS, and indeed its steering feels crisper and weightier. Driven on a back road, the Corolla XRS is undeniably a capable compact sedan, but compared to rivals like the Mazda 3, Civic and Lancer, it's not a very entertaining one. Elizabeth Brighton Safe: 2009 Toyota Corolla Vehicle Overview
Introduction About 400,000 people will buy a Toyota Corolla sometime during the 2008 calendar year. One-quarter of these likely buyers are in their 60s. Almost as many are in their 20s. Despite the huge age gap between these groups, their primary motivation for buying is the same: reliability. With such a steady and diverse following for its compact sedan, Toyota usually undertakes major redesigns with a light hand: Although changes underneath the surface may be significant, each new Corolla invariably retains its predecessor's basic styling cues and overall driving demeanor. And so it is with the redesigned 2009 Toyota Corolla. That's not to say you won't appreciate the differences on the new Corolla. For instance, although it's not any longer or taller than last year's car, it rides on a wider track, and this opens up noticeably more hip- and shoulder room in the cabin. The addition of a telescoping steering wheel improves upon the Corolla's historically awkward driving position, while new features like an auxiliary audio input, keyless startup and a navigation system with real-time traffic updates bring Toyota's compact sedan into the 21st century in terms of feature content. Elizabeth Brighton Card Driving Impressions
Tuned more toward the luxury end of the spectrum, the Genesis' suspension offers a soft ride with respectable handling. The latter is surprisingly neutral -- a run through the slalom showed the Genesis to be a little soft and slow, but impressively obedient. The electrohydraulic steering assist leaves the rack-and-pinion steering feeling more isolated from the tires than we'd prefer, but the steering itself is still precise and appropriate, given the scale and mission of the car. Nobody would ever mistake the Genesis for a BMW when it comes to steering, but Infiniti or Lexus owners will find it familiar. While a stopping distance of 124 feet from 60 mph isn't what we'd call world-class, it's still pretty good for a 4,000-pound sedan wearing all-season tires. Elizabeth Brighton Secure Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
The 2009 Audi A4 is a four-door compact luxury vehicle available in three body styles: a sedan, a convertible (Cabriolet) and a wagon (Avant). Sedans and wagons seat up to five passengers and convertibles seat up to four. There are three trim levels for sedans and wagons with the 2.0-liter turbo engine. The base Premium trim comes standard with 17-inch wheels, foglamps, a sunroof, air-conditioning, power front seats, leather upholstery, cruise control, a split-folding rear seat, cruise control and a 10-speaker audio system with an in-dash CD player, satellite radio and an auxiliary audio jack. The Premium Plus level adds bi-xenon headlamps, LED daytime running lamps (modeled after the Audi R8's), auto-dimming side and rearview mirrors, Bluetooth phone connectivity, three-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats and a six-CD changer. In addition, the auxiliary audio jack is replaced by a dedicated iPod connector. The Prestige trim ups the wheel size to 18 inches and adds rear park distance control, keyless ignition/entry, a lane-change warning system and an upgraded 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system. All sedans and convertibles with the 3.2-liter V6 are available in these latter two trim levels only. Options on the base 2.0 T models include wood interior trim, rear-seat side airbags and a Sport package with 18-inch wheels, high-performance tires, shift paddles and sport seats. Optional on the upper trim levels is a Sport package with 19-inch wheels, a navigation system with a back-up camera, adaptive cruise control with an active braking guard (which monitors the distance between the car and traffic ahead), the Audi Drive Select adjustable suspension system, rear-seat side airbags and a choice of wood trims. Many of the standard features on the upper trim levels are available as stand-alone options on base 2.0 T models, with the exception of navigation, adaptive cruise control and the adjustable suspension driving settings. An S Line Package for Prestige trim levels includes 19-inch wheels, high-performance tires, a sport suspension, shift paddles and front sport seats with side bolsters. The convertible 2009 Audi A4 Cabriolet 2.0 T comes standard with 17-inch wheels, an automatic soft top, power front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control and a 10-speaker audio system with a six-CD/MP3 changer. The 3.2 model adds 18-inch wheels and heated front seats. Major options include adaptive bi-xenon headlights, a navigation system, the last-generation MMI system and upgraded Bose speakers. More results: Elizabeth Brighton Secure Elizabeth Brighton Owner Elizabeth Brighton Contact




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