PREVIEW 2012 THE OKANAGAN SATURDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2011 Volt The concept behind the Volt is relatively sim-


ple. The on-board batteries provide power to the electric motor for about 65 kilometres of combined city/highway driving, after which a 1.4-litre four-cylinder gasoline generator en- gine kicks in to charge the lithium-ion battery pack.Total range is estimated at about 500 kilo- metres before the generator engine needs re- fueling with premium gas or the 180-kilogram T-shaped battery located beneath the floor needs charging. “Fuel economy” is an obso- lete term as it pertains to the Volt, although it’s claimed that the operational cost per kilometre with electricity is a fraction of that of a regular internal combustion engine. When the gener- ator is called in to charge the batteries, the common number used is about 5.0 l/100 km.A single-speed controller replaces a traditional transmission to engage the front drive wheels. However, the operator can select Normal, Sport or Mountain mode with the latter providing ex- tra power on steep grades. Base price (incl. destination): $43,000 (excl.


federal and/or provincial government rebates) Base engine (hp): 111-kilowatt (150-horse-


power) electric motor) plus 60-kilowatt (80- horsepower) 1.4-litre DOHC gasoline genera- tor


l/100 km (city/highway): n/a


CHEVY TRUCK/SUV Avalanche


If you’re a fan of the Transformers movie se-


ries, you’ve likely noticed that most of the Autobot heroes transform in GM vehicles (a certain yellow Camaro immediately comes to mind). However, the Chevrolet Avalanche is the only real-life quick-change artist that’s able to expand its cargo-carrying capacity, virtually at will, without any movie effects. Its Midgate wall splits the box and passenger compart- ments. With the rear seat and Midgate folded flush to the floor, the cargo-bed length increas- es enough to take a standard eight-foot-long sheet of plywood, allowing transport of all sorts of large and bulky items. Base price (incl. destination): $43,900 Base engine (hp): 5.3-litre OHV V8 (320/310) l/100 km (city/highway): 14.4/9.6 (4x2)


Colorado


The King is dead.Yes, the Ford Ranger will hang up its spurs later this year, and although you might expect the removal of the compact- pickup sales leader would spread the love to the remaining offerings, you’d be wrong. Unfortunately, if you’re a pickup truck that’s smaller than full-size, you’re just not selling all


Equinox


that well. Period. That’s a shame because the Colorado offers an optional V8, dozens of en- gine, cabin, chassis and bed combinations and genuine work-truck genes.Having 300 horses from a 5.3-litre V8 at your disposal also turns this relatively lightweight truck (1,500 kilos) into a lively performer. And if your purpose in pick- ing the Colorado is to reduce fuel stops while still carrying lots of stuff in the box, there are two other choices. The base 2.9-litre four-cylinder puts out 185 horsepower while a 242-horse- power 3.7-litre five-cylinder is available as an option.


Base price (incl. destination): $25,500 Base engine (hp): 2.9-litre DOHC I4 (185) Optional engines (hp): 3.7-litre DOHC I5 (242); 5.3-litre OHV V8 (300) l/100 km (city/highway): 11.3/7.8 (2.9 MT,


RWD)


Overall: Even into its third year, the Equinox has that combination of style and substance that keeps it looking fresh;even in a down econ- omy, Chevrolet’s tall wagon continues to be hugely popular. The interior is likely the Equinox’s best asset. It’s simply gorgeous and includes dual glove boxes, easy-to-read twin gauges set in large pods and plenty of handy storage bins.There’s also a versatile split fold- ing rear seat that can be adjusted fore and aft over an eight-inch range to optimize legroom or cargo capacity. Base price (incl. destination): $27,450 Base engine (hp): 2.4-litre DOHC I4 (182) Optional engine (hp): 3.0-litre DOHC V6 (255) l/100 km (city/highway): 9.2/6.1 (2.4, FWD)


Silverado


While Ford is touting its new fuel-saving EcoBoost V6 engines in the F-150 and Ram is making hay with its clever storage options and up-market interior, Chevrolet continues to build honest work-ready pickups.Not much has changed for 2012, but there are new front ends on the Silverado that mimic the larger HD mod- els, and there are a few technology changes that should keep GM in the mix with improved safety, like standard trailer sway control. And


5


Introducing the new 2012 Mazda 3 with


GS-SKY model shown With all-new pricing, starting from


$XX,XXX $XXX XX% $20,190


With all-new Skyactiv, starting from OR


Lease from * per month † AT


for XX months with $X,XXX down


with up to 58 mpg and 155 hp VISION


DELIVERING OUTSTANDING ECO-FRIENDLY PERFORMANCE AND FUEL ECONOMY TO EVERY CUSTOMER, WITHOUT SACRIFICING DRIVING PLEASURE.


Mazda defies convention again by evolving the internal combustion engine with the creation of SKYACTIV Technology.


SKYACTIV represents a clean sheet approach to the design of the automobile. Consequently, every aspect has been targeted for improvement. The three core areas targeted by SKYACTIV are:


- ENGINES - TRANSMISSIONS - VEHICLE STRUCTURE/CHASSIS


SKYACTIV IS THE NEXT STEP IN THE ONGOING EVOLUTION OF ZOOM-ZOOM.


KELOWNA MOTORS 2560 ENTERPRISE WAY What do you drive?


(250) 762-2068 ZOO}-ZOO}


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