PREVIEW 2012 THE OKANAGAN SATURDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2011


175-horsepower I4) and an optional 276-horsepower 3.5-litre V6.


Base price (incl. destination): $26,900 Base engine (hp): 2.4-litre DOHC I4 (191) Optional engine (hp): 3.5-litre DOHC V6 (276) l/100 km (city/hwy): 9.5/6.2 (2.4, FWD)


Soul The shocking sub-compact Soul was the first evidence that


Kia was serious about sexy design. The Soul’s near-vertical walls and extra-wide liftgate maximize interior space while look- ing rather funky.For the 2012 model year, the Soul is getting a full refresh both inside and out. New headlamps and LED tail- lights are the jewelry on top of a revised hood, front and rear fascias, fog lights and wheel designs for all three trim levels. Redesigned side mirrors now have integrated turn signals.The entry-level 1.6-litre four-cylinder is taken from the all-new Rio sedan and produces 135 horsepower (up from 122), while the optional 2.0-litre has been re-tuned to deliver 160 horsepower (up from 142). As with all other Kias, the Soul gets six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmissions at all trim levels. Base price (incl. destination): $18,250 Base engine (hp): 1.6-litre DOHC I4 (135) Optional engine (hp): 2.0-litre DOHC I4 (160) l/100 km (city/hwy): 7.0/5.4 (1.6, MT)


Sportage The paint has barely dried on the all-new third-generation


Sportage, and Kia is already fiddling with the package. The most significant change to the Sportage is what you’ll find un- der the hood: an all-new 260-horsepower 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine shared with other Kia/Hyundai models. It delivers feisty performance in such a relatively small vehicle.The base powerplant is a 2.4-litre four-cylinder that generates 176 horsepower when hooked up to a six-speed manual transmis- sion (available only in base front-wheel-drive models), or 170 horses with the optional six-speed automatic. The Sportage uses an all-wheel-drive system that under normal driving con- ditions directs 100 per cent of the engine’s torque to the front wheels. Once tire slip is detected, the required degree of pow- er is instantly deployed to the rear wheels. Base price (incl. destination): $24,000 Base engine (hp): 2.4-litre DOHC I4 (170-176) Optional engine: 2.0-litre DOHC I4, turbocharged (260) l/100 km (city/hwy): 10.0/6.9 (MT)


LAND ROVER Lincoln MKS


2012. Naturally aspirated and supercharged versions of the same 5.0-litre V8; six-speed automatic transmissions; few ve- hicles mix the on- and off-road worlds so capably as the Range Rover Sport. Base price (incl. destination): $73,200 Base engine (hp): 5.0-litre DOHC V8 (375) Optional engine (hp): 5.0-litre DOHC V8, supercharged (510) l/100 km (city/hwy): 17.5/1l.6


LEXUS CT 200h


Lexus’s answer to premium sporty hatchbacks from Audi and Mini, but leaves owners feeling smug about the thrifty hybrid Prius upon which it is based; new F Sport package adds big- ger wheels and blacked-out body pieces along with a more ex- hilarating suspension setup. The Prius’s 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine runs almost as smoothly as the 27-kilowatt electric mo- tor to which it is teamed; output is pegged at 134 horsepower; a continuously variable (CVT) transmission routes the power to the front wheels. Base price (incl. destination): $32,900 Base engine (hp): 1.8-litre DOHC I4 combined with 27-kilo-


watt electric motor (134 net) l/100 km (city/hwy): 4.5/4.8


ES 350 Evoque (New for 2012!)


The Range Rover Evoque’s lack of formality and boxy prac- ticality runs counter to a brand that cut its teeth building some of the most rugged off-road vehicles on the planet.The Evoque, offered in two- and four-door Coupé versions, is slightly short- er than the Hyundai Tucson, Ford Escape and Jeep Patriot and nearly 46 centimetres shorter than a Range Rover Sport. And with its steeply raked windshield and tapered roofline, it’s also one of the slinkiest, wind-cheating-est rigs around. Even so, with the vehicle’s minimal front and rear overhang and ample ground clearance, chances are it won’t get hung-up over uneven terrain or stuck in some muddy bog. On- and off-road traction comes from a full-time all-wheel-drive system with an electron- ically controlled centre differential that varies the torque be- tween the front and rear wheels, depending on where the grip is greatest.The Evoque’s underpinnings can be supplemented with an adjustable Adaptive Dynamics option that offers either a soft or firm (sporty) ride. Base price (incl. destination): $47,000 (four-door); $52,600 (Coupé)


Base engine (hp): 2.0-litre DOHC turbocharged I4 (240) l/100 km (city/hwy): 10.7/7.1


LR2


Although the LR2 shares its platform and four-wheel-drive system with the dramatic Range Rover Evoque, the two could- n’t be farther apart in style and manners. Carryover inline six- cylinder engine sends 230 horsepower to all four wheels when traction is called into question. Compared to its peers, the five- passenger LR2 is the only one that can really claim to have true off-road capability, thanks to the technology it shares with the rest of the Land Rover line. The cornerstone of the vehi- cle’s off-road prowess is the proprietary Terrain Response sys- tem with four settings (general driving; grass/gravel/snow;mud and ruts; and sand) that the driver adjusts with a rotary dial. Base price (incl. destination): $44,950 Base engine (hp): 3.2-litre DOHC I6 (230) l/100 km (city/hwy): 14.1/9.1


LR4 After receiving significant upgrades to its off-road LR4, Land


Rover is leaving the luxurious beast alone for 2012, other than adding a luxury-laden Limited Edition to the lineup.Several fea- tures are designed to bring out the LR4’s luxurious side, in- cluding standard rear-view camera, adaptive front lighting, bright xenon headlamps, a surround-camera system that allows driv- ers to see every angle of their ride, and LED accent lighting.The 375-horsepower 5.0-litre V8 and six-speed automatic transmis- sion is shared with Jaguar since the two brands have the same owner.


Base price (incl. destination): $60,000 Base engine (hp): 5.0-litre DOHC V8 (375) l/100 km (city/hwy): 17.1/11.6


Range Rover The best-of-the-best Land Rover model isn’t exactly cheap,


but in return you’ll get one of the world’s best sport utilities, at any price.The 375-horsepower 5.0-litre V8 and supercharged 510-horsepower version can run with the big dogs from Germany or North America, and provide a great deal of speed and pace for these heavyweights. It’s crammed to the roof with safety and convenience hardware, from an air-spring suspen- sion and digital surround-sound, to nine airbags and satellite navigation. Of course, this is just the beginning of the goodies you’ll find in your “base” HSE Range Rover. Also included is a 720-watt, 14-speaker Harmon/Kardon audio system, heated seats, a touch-screen interface for the cabin controls, 19-inch wheels (20 for supercharged models) and a power tilt and tele- scoping steering wheel.You want leather seats with three-per- son memory and plenty of wood trim? Done and done. Base price (incl. destination): $94,300 Base engine (hp): 5.0-litre DOHC V8 (375) Optional engine (hp): 5.0-litre DOHC V8, supercharged (510) l/100 km (city/hwy): 17.5/11.6


Range Rover Sport


After finally receiving engines more in line with its “Sport” name, the mid-range Range Rover gets some new jewelry for


5.0-litre V8 and eight-speed paddle-shifted automatic trans- mission. Base prices (incl. destination): $34,850(250); $51,050 (250C); $71,900 (IS F) Base engine (hp): 2.5-litre DOHC V6 (204) Optional engine (hp): 3.5-litre DOHC V6 (306); 5.0-litre DOHC V8 (416)


l/100 km (city/hwy): 11.2/7.2 (2.5, AT) LS series The LS stands at the pinnacle of the Lexus hierarchy, at least


in terms of four-door sedans, and is actually regarded by its le- gions of loyal customers as an absolute bargain in its class. Why? Well, for example, the painting process for every LS re- quires hand sanding between coats to keep it smooth.And how about an all-aluminum 380-horsepower 4.6-litre V8 that’s a me- chanical and electronic masterpiece? Transporting the rich and famous is the responsibility of the LS 460 L with its nearly 13- centimetre stretch in wheelbase and associated accoutrements such as optional massaging/reclining rear seat with centre con- sole.


Base price (incl. destination): $85,000; $113,000 (LS 600h L)


Base engine (hp): 4.6-litre DOHC V8 (380) Optional engine (hp): 5.0-litre DOHC V8 and electric motor (438, hybrid)


l/100 km (city/hwy): 12.9/8.2 (4.6) RX series Camry-based luxury stalwart carries over unaltered, but with


a new Camry arriving for 2012, an equally new ES appears to be in the offing for 2013. Toyota-derived 3.5-litre V6 and six- speed automatic transmission is silky smooth and fuel-efficient. Included in the base ES is dual-zone climate control, power sunroof, keyless entry and starting, 10-way power-adjustable front seats, power tilt/telescopic steering column, rain-sensing wipers, a brace of airbags and traction and stability control to keep the vehicle tracking straight and true in adverse weather and road conditions.You might think that’s plenty, but the option- al Ultra-Luxury package comes with an all-glass panorama roof, heated and ventilated leather seats, auto-dimming out- side mirrors, adaptive headlamps that swivel as the car’s di- rection changes and a power seat cushion extender that pro- vides more support for longer-legged drivers. Base price (incl. destination): $44,100 Base engine (hp): 3.5-litre DOHC V6 (268-272 - premium


fuel) l/100 km (city/hwy): 10.9/7.2 GX 460 Although the signs point to a general shift towards more com-


fortable, fuel-efficient vehicles such as the RX 350, there are still plenty of people who are happy bashing away off-road during their weekends but also want luxury and features not usually found on more bare-bones trail-runners.This tough-running rig, newly introduced for the 2011 model year, is based on parent Toyota’s 4Runner ladder-frame chassis, but being a Lexus it takes the off-road experience to a more luxurious level.A 301- horsepower V8/six-speed automatic transmission delivers quick acceleration with half-decent fuel economy in the process. Base price (incl. destination): $64,150 Base engine (hp): 4.6-litre DOHC V8 (301) l/100 km (city/hwy): 14.1/9.8


HS 250h While the HS 250h broke ground as the only hybrid-electric


vehicle designed from the start as a luxury car, it was joined for the 2011 model year by the sporty CT 200h.Both use the same front-wheel-drive platform that is actually Toyota-Prius-based, although the structure has been stiffened and the suspension updated to improve ride-and-drive characteristics.Where the CT is sporty, the HS is more composed, both in driving character- istics and styling.The HS takes its own route, swapping out the Prius’s wind-cheating hatchback design for a steadfast and sturdy four-door-sedan shape that translates into adequate space for four passengers and a decent-sized cargo boot. A variety of leading-edge gear is available, such as the naviga- tion system and a grille-mounted front-view camera for moni- toring difficult-to-see areas.The optional Mark Levinson sound system is superb. Base price (incl. destination): $42,800 Base engine (hp): 2.4-litre DOHC I4 with electric motor (187 combined horsepower) l/100 km (city/hwy): 5.6/5.9


IS series


The IS is the Kellogg’s Variety Pack of the Lexus fleet, with two distinct four-door and convertible variants plus the IS-F super sedan. All compete with their opposite numbers from a variety of German and Japanese automakers such as BMW, Audi and Infiniti. For this assault, Lexus uses a base 204-horsepower 2.5-litre V6 for the IS 250 and IS 250C, but more performance is available from a 306-horsepower 3.5-litre V6 that comes in the IS 350 and IS 350C. Both C models are available in rear-, or all-wheel-drive. The IS 250’s transmission choices consist of a six-speed manual or optional six-speed automatic with steering-wheel-mounted paddle-shift controls.To take on the V8- powered BMW M3, Lexus has its 416-horsepower IS F with its


It’s hard to believe that sophisticated, safe, comfortable and efficient luxury sport utility vehicles really only picked up steam 15 years ago. It seems like every manufacturer has taken a shot, but no one has managed to beat the class-originator Lexus RX.It remains the company’s best-selling model, and the 2012 edition does not mess with the formula. If the exterior is a study in restraint, the cabin can be considered wildly fashionable.The dashboard flows dramatically across the control panel as if it was left in the sun too long. It’s visually arresting and totally unex- pected in a Lexus.The body structure rests on a reworked plat- form highlighted by an independent rear suspension that, Lexus claims, makes the RX more comfortable and agile and pro- vides an enlarged cargo area. Base price (incl. destination): $46,900 (RX 350); $61,650 (RX


450h)


Base engine (hp): 3.5-litre DOHC V6 (275) Optional engine (hp): 3.5-litre DOHC V6 with electric assist


(295) l/100 km (city/hwy): 11.8/8.3 (RX 350); 6.7/6.9 (Hybrid) LINCOLN MKS Sleek and imposing, the Lincoln MKS is everything the depart-


ed Town Car was not. Luxurious, comfortable, efficient and, when suitably optioned, fast.The interior appointments hammer home the luxury theme but in a subtle way that also departs from Lincoln tradition. Real ebony wood trim is available for a touch of opulence, and only the star logo in the middle of the leather- coated steering wheel and the engraved name on the control panel are clues that this car doesn’t hail from Japan or Europe. The MKS can be ordered with front- or all-wheel-drive, but the latter comes only with the turbo engine. Base price (incl. destination): $49,000 Base engine (hp): 3.7-litre DOHC V6 (270) Optional engine (hp): 3.5-litre DOHC V6, turbocharged (355) l/100 km (city/hwy): 12.5/8.3 (FWD)


MKT


Now that the Lincoln Town Car has been put out to pasture, the MKT is the likely successor to move the rich and famous from the Ritz to the red carpet. Although it uses the same plat- form as the full-size Ford Flex, you’d be hard pressed to tell. Where the Flex is sharp, the MKT is curved. The Ford looks like the box the Lincoln came in. The base 3.7-litre DOHC V6 with 268 horsepower through a six-speed automatic transmis- sion; an optional 3.5-litre DOHC V6 with a turbocharger makes 355 horses; all-wheel-drive is standard. Base price (incl. destination): $51,500 Base engine (hp): 3.7-litre DOHC V6 (268) Optional engine (hp): 3.5-litre DOHC V6, twin-turbocharged


(355) l/100 km (city/hwy): 13.4/9.0 (3.7); 13.1/9.2 (Ecoboost) MKX Lincoln’s sleeker and sexier version of Ford’s Edge wagon


was face-lifted into corporate anonymity in 2011 when a simi- lar snout from the seven-passenger MKT was grafted on.On the upside, Ford’s premium-division engineers also reduced the noise invading the cabin by using improved acoustic materials, a sound-absorbing headliner, thicker windshield glass and “baked-on” foam baffles in the fenders and door pillars. On- road capability was upgraded with bigger brakes, retuned shock absorbers and stabilizer bars that are designed to produce flat- ter cornering. Standard equipment includes trailer sway con- trol and Hill Start Assist. Base price (incl. destination): $48,100 Base engine (hp): 3.7-litre DOHC V6 (305) Optional engine: None l/100 km (city/hwy): 12.2/8.8


MKZ


After being joined by an all-new Hybrid model last year, Lincoln’s entry-level MKZ sedan carries through unchanged in 2012.The MKZ shares most of its technology with the excellent Ford Fusion, beginning with a 263-horsepower V6 linked to a reworked six-speed automatic transmission driving the front wheels; all-wheel-drive is optional; 191-horsepower Hybrid mod- el delivers long-distance electric-only driving and class-lead- ing fuel economy.


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