subaru crosstrek hybrid

Geneva 2019: I'm The King of T-Roc…and More

March 6, 2019 by Randy Stern

*Photo courtesy of Mazda North American Operations*

Oh, Geneva, you are one expensive place. Perhaps that is one reason why I have never stepped foot inside Palexpo…

But, for those who work this show know that it takes a shift in overall perspective to understand why this spring European show is important. Because of the money that fuels Geneva and Switzerland, you do see a lot of supercar reveals and other things that could be considered vulgar. Mansory’s creations are the first thing that come to mind.

However, if you sift through the multi-million Euro debuts and fantasy concepts, there are a few gems that are worth talking about.

Continue reading →

Commentary: Cars vs. Crossovers…and The Debate Itself

July 17, 2018 by Randy Stern

All Photos by Randy Stern

Reality is setting in. Not a lot of us are liking it.

The headline that has been on auto-repeat for the past few years has been the proliferation of the SUV/Crossover. They have been ruling the new car lots becoming volume leaders above mere mortal sedans, coupes, hatchbacks, minivans, and wagons. Manufacturers are banking on these family vehicles by supplanting slow-selling sedans, etc. with SUV/Crossover models.

According to you, this is unacceptable. You want cars.

You are angry that Mitsubishi slapped the Eclipse name on a compact SUV/Crossover – a pretty good one, by the way. You are angry that the next Chevrolet Blazer will not be able to follow a Jeep Wrangler onto an off-road park.

The latest slap in the face of the car was a recent report by Automotive News that Ford will introduce their own "ruggedized wagon" that will compete with the Subaru Outback – and call it the Fusion. That's OK, Ford is already paring down the Focus lineup to a single ruggedized model built in China positioned against Subaru's Crosstrek. I know you’re angry about these issues, too! You're cherished Focus ST and RS have been swept aside for an Active model.

Moreover, you are angry that you have to share the road with an SUV/Crossover because they are in your way from having a little fun.

I feel your anger. Continue reading "Commentary: Cars vs. Crossovers…and The Debate Itself" →

#MAMA16FR – 25 Years in The Making

May 12, 2025 by Randy Stern

Why is the Midwest Automotive Media Association such an honor to be a member of?

A discussion with one of its board members came up with a few reasons. We have a great core group of journalist members – mostly from the Chicagoland area, but within our region, too. We also have great affiliate members from the manufacturers and other automotive-based businesses. A recent poll of public relations personnel from the automotive industry ranked two of MAMA's events within the Top Three – the Spring rally at Road America and the Fall Rally, held annually at Autobahn Country Club near Joliet, Illinois.

Last year, I had the privilege to attend both of these events. They are indeed great programs full of interactivity, networking and camaraderie. While the Spring Rally can be seen as intense, the Fall Rally has a laid back feel with its smaller scale and tighter safety measures on the track.

This year was very different for me in terms of participation in MAMA. Due to my hospitalization in April, I bowed out of the Spring Rally. I was told by my colleagues that I was indeed missed. To make up for lost time and engagement, I made plans to attend the Fall Rally.

There was special incentive to attend this year's Fall Rally. It would be the celebration of MAMA’s 25th Anniversary. From a communication between the head of the Chicago Automobile Trade Association and the Chicago Tribune's Jim Mateja in 1991, MAMA grew into an integrative organization with hundreds of members stretched out within its regional borders. I am among a few members based in Minnesota.

This is a proud group of media and industry professionals.

Both Tyler Lipa and I are proud members of MAMA. It enables us to connect with friends and new colleagues to help us grow as professionals in this highly competitive business.

For me, Fall Rally is a chance to explore story ideas for the next several months. It provides inspiration for ideas in working with several vehicles of note right in our backyards (the Twin Cities for me, Bloomington, Indiana for Tyler). It also connects the dots with stories that will become hot throughout the year.

MAMA is lucky to get some choice vehicles for us to work with. This Fall Rally included the presence of the 2017 Toyota 86, the revision upon what used to be the Scion FR-S. We also became one the first media groups to work with the 2017 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro, 2017 Nissan Sentra SR Turbo and 2017 Infiniti Q60 coupe.

This year, I focused on two things: trucks and off-roading. There were plenty of other vehicles to drive, but it appeared that I worked with trucks for the most part. The reasons might not be immediately evident, as I love working with trucks and I am starting to enjoy going off road.

These two things were combined at Fall Rally's off-road course in the infield of the South race course. It was just too perfect, as they lined up the Tacoma TRD Pro with a 2017 Nissan Titan PRO-4X – the half-ton version – and the 2016 Ram 1500 Rebel. The open course track was improved with some new maneuvers replicating some of the toughest test for a pickup – articulation, angle of approach and departure and turning radius tests.

All I can say was "game on."

I did do a lap around the South course along with several driving loops. To find out how they worked within the Rally, let me go through each vehicle I drove and explain each situation.

2017 NISSAN TITAN: Not only did I take the PRO-4X out on the off-road open course, I did a street driving loop in the Platinum Reserve model of Nissan's new half-ton version of their big pickup. Off-road, it was what I expected. No loss in traction and its ability to bite down on rough surfaces made the PRO-4X a good package in half-ton form. On the road, the driving dynamics are on par with its class, though some pickups will do better than what the Titan can do. Two things stood out between both versions of the half-ton Titan: The cabin and the 5.6 liter Endurance V8. The seating was comfortable, along with large dials in the binnacle. Some may have issue with the center TFT screen in the binnacle, but once it is configured for the driver to work with, it is simply fine. Interior quality is better than in the Toyota Tundra – a huge help for Nissan. Mostly, the V8 offers smoother power both down low and beyond. The entire driveline is great, though expect some front axle bucking in 4WD Hi mode when starting off and turning. In all, one would hope for success in the Titan. It will be a tough fight, though.

2016 RAM 1500 REBEL: It was designed to go off-road. After driving it for the first time over a year ago at Fiat Chrysler's Chelsea Proving Grounds, I finally had the chance to put this truck through its intended paces. Compared to the Titan PRO-4X, the Rebel is masterfully superior. Equipped with the 5.7 liter HEMI V8, the Rebel keeps on delivering the power through the rough spots. The other advantage of the Ram over the Titan is the linked suspension in the rear. Having more flexibility with emboldened strength out back helps the Rebel cut through the trail and manage tough maneuvers along the way. Having never driven a Ford F-150 Raptor, I ask one thing – why haven’t you considered the Ram 1500 Rebel? Enough said.

2017 TOYOTA TACOMA TRD PRO: In the newer model, the TRD Pro version exhibits the Tacoma's outer limits of its abilities. With the 3.5 liter V6 at its core, the addition of TRD Pro specific suspension bits improve upon the standard truck's abilities. While the 4WD system bites down, the suspension system continues to soften the impact from the surface below. Toyota does put together some TRD packages for the Tacoma, but one needs to consider the TRD Pro full stop before considering any other off-road workhorse. For its class, the Tacoma TRD Pro plays well…with no one.

2017 SUBARU CROSSTREK: Want to be surprised? Drive a Crosstrek on a two-track surface with some elevations and articulations. Then, try to go at it with the vigor of a rally champion. Unlike the Hybrid version I drove a couple of years ago, the regular Crosstrek will change the way you look at Subaru. You may have forgotten why they were popular with farmers in the Northeast. Subarus were small, but mighty enough to pull out of dirt tracks around the property. The Crosstrek is the kind of vehicle that takes you back to those days. At the end of days' worth of trail hopping, you will find that the Crosstrek is the Subaru to start considering for your active lifestyle. It may take you away from the vape shop and into REI.

2017 FORD F-SERIES SUPER DUTY: My problem with heavy duty pickups is the sheer size and the exact feeling when driving one. I'm used to them, but I would like a heavy duty truck to act more civilized for those who have big boats and large Airstream trailers to tow. What Ford did was to make the rolled steel frame stronger, change cab and box construction to military-grade aluminum, increase the performance in their Powerstroke turbocharged diesel engine and add new technologies to make driving a heavy duty pickup easier. The result is a F-Series Super Duty that acts and drives like an F-150, but can still do the work of its intended GVWR class. The cabin is made to be an enlarged version of the F-150's own interior. Having the F-250 Super Crew in the Platinum trim to sample, all I can think of was what some of my colleagues said when I pulled back into the paddock in it – I look good in it. Not exactly a measuring stick of truck success, but it does point out to the massive leap Ford took to make this Super Duty more desirable for heavy duty pickup customers.

2017 MERCEDES-BENZ E-CLASS: I do not drive Mercedes-Benzes often. When I do, it has to be something I know will sell well with its customer base. The latest E-Class is a combination of the design language, performance and technological advances both the C- and S-Classes made recently. It is also what Goldilocks would pick between the brand’s three main products. That said, the E-Class is "just right." In all, the seating, the driving dynamics, the power form the 2.0 liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, the transmission and the responsiveness of the controls made this new E-Class "just right." I will admit one thing: It doesn't feel like a car I come to expect from Mercedes-Benz. That is another can of worms I would like to leave the cap on for now…

2017 HONDA RIDGELINE: I may have driven every Honda ever produced, but I have yet to drive a Ridegline – its pickup truck model. Granted, it is based on a platform shared with the Pilot SUV and Odyssey minivan, but it has obtained the look of a mid-sized pickup. Unlike the previous Ridgeline, this does look like a truck. It certainly does not feel like one – with its smooth ride, good driving manners, comfortable seating position and smooth power from its 3.5 liter V6. The bed is very useful, with its large compartment below the bed floor with a drain to empty out the melted ice from its use as an ice chest. The two-way tailgate is novel and convenient, too. It still causes arguments – is it a truck or is it not. If you love the traditional pickup truck, you will hate the Ridgeline. For the rest of the universe, it is a great truck. I would love to get this in to test out all theories when possible.

2017 VOLVO S90: This one was something I was going to hold out for. However, it was Tyler's idea to drive it. So, we both did (You can read Tyler's take on the S90 shortly). I can certainly say that I like this car. It elevates Volvo into a spot where its uniqueness and level of luxury will challenge everyone else in the premium car game. It offers its own level of style, which helps in standing out in a crowd. The attention to detail was solid, especially in the Inscription model. The 2.0 liter Drive-E Turbocharged and Supercharged engine is superb, along with its 8-speed transmission. In all, it is a great large sedan for those looking for luxury in a four-door car. I understand that I will be getting this sometime in the next several months. I look forward to working with this one further.

2017 LEXUS RC F: The track is perhaps a bit too wide for a challenge. The lead-follow format is not exactly my cup of tea. But, if I must do any track time, I must choose my steed wisely. Last year, I found serendipity in closing the story arc of the Lexus RC F. This year, I came back to one of my favorite track weapons of all time. Yep, it feels the same as it always have – great performance and grunt, silent, but deadly delivery and superior fun above anything else I can think of. However, it did not answer the quandary that began to filter my psyche last month. If I had to choose between the RC F and the 2017 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 as my "go-to, top shelf sports machine"…which one would ultimately satisfy me? As I walked away from the Molten colored RC F, I did not have an answer to resolve this question. All I had was absolute joy. Tyler might tell you otherwise (he rode shotgun as I drove this car)…but, I had fun in the RC F on the track. To me…that's all that matters, really.

All photos by Randy Stern

The Incredibly Shrinking Crossover

January 24, 2023 by Randy Stern

We are now seeing the birth of a new vehicle segment in America. Are you afraid now?

You could be, but understand where this was coming from. It has been brewing for while – vehicles about 170 inches in length designed for urban use, despite having about 8 inches of ground clearance and available all-wheel drive for year-round duty.

Yet, this segment is not entirely new. Entrants have already been in place by Suzuki, Mitsubishi, Kia and Nissan. Suzuki has been in the small SUV game for decades. Its arrival in the Continental USA in 1984 with the Samurai was welcomed with curiosity, fueled by a seminal test by Consumer Reports that revealed a conflict between its center of gravity and overall cornering stability. The last offering was the SX4 crossover, which became one of its final products ever sold before the automotive sales division of American Suzuki was closed down.

This left us with three entrants – the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport, the Nissan Juke and the Kia Soul. They have been joined by a duet of General Motors small utes – the Buick Encore and Chevrolet Trax – along with the Subaru XV Crosstrek and the Jeep Renegade. For 2016, three new entrants have joined in the fun – the Fiat 500X, Honda HR-V and Mazda CX-3.

Though a few of these are not really considered part of the segment, they are truly joined at the hip. The customer base will cross-shop all of these entrants, even if they do not have the ground clearance of cargo space that should be commonplace in this class.

Why am I talking about these super-small utes?

Through other outlets I provide content to, I have been reviewing these vehicles. So far, I've taken on four such vehicles. Perhaps I should do an overview of them to see what I think of this new segment now pitted for growth through the rest of this decade?

MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT: The Outlander Sport (also known as the RVR in Canada) has a lot going for it. It simply looks the part, and that is not a bad thing. Some complain that the design is rather dated. Say that to the folks that keep on buying them at a friend’s dealership in the Twin Cities. The Outlander Sport offers what the class really needs – proper ground clearance, a taller cabin, better side vision, some advanced technology and a lockable all-wheel drive system. The latter is an advantage worth considering, especially for those of us in the northern climes.

The version I drove had the newly available larger 2.4 liter four-cylinder engine. With the bump of 20 horsepower over the standard 2.0 liter engine, it helped the Mitsubishi's cause with better motivation. Highway driving has improved, despite being attached to the continuously variable transmission. Once Mitsubishi resolves the CVT, it should be a stronger contender in this class. Everything is fine. The interior is comfortable, some readouts and gauges were fine, the Rockford Fosgate speaker system pumps out serious sound, it rides decently and drives pretty fine.

Though it not exactly the elder statesman of the class, it is showing some age. Yet, the advantages the Outlander Sport has over its rivals may be its calling card.

FIAT 500X: To induce a bigger sales catchment, Fiat needed to compete in the crossover market. The solution was to graft the 500's iconic styling onto a platform shared with the new Jeep Renegade. The solution is an Italian-made cute ute that is really…cute. The Cinquecento's signature design is handsome in this application, allowing for a huge liftgate and wide opening front doors. The interior carries a lot of the Cinquecento’s design cues with body-color matching instrument panel trim and seat designs. However, Fiat integrated a five-inch UConnect touch screen onto the top of their crossover's fascia and played around with its three-dial instrument binnacle to include a TFT screen and limited vision for both the speedometer and tachometer. Seating took some time to get comfortable, though I was hoping for more bolstering to lock me in.

The Easy version I drove had FCA's Tigershark 2.4 liter four-cylinder engine, which Fiat simply calls its Multiair II. The ZF-designed nine-speed automatic was attached to the engine. This yielded mixed results even with all-wheel drive. As with almost every nine-speed transmission equipped FCA vehicle, I found the lower gears to be hesitant on full throttle. In the mid-gears, the 500X was fine. It drive quite sturdy with some roll in the corners. Yet, it is one of the better driving models in its class in terms of overall driving dynamics. Of note, for those who want a real Fiat driveline may have to go with the 1.4 liter Mutliair turbocharged engine with a six-speed manual gearbox – which is only available in front-wheel drive.

In truth, the 500X has some redeeming qualities that would make it charming and worth the buy. A few fixes and the 500X should be a strong contender.

CHEVROLET TRAX: Though the Buick version came first, GM had the Chevrolet version in mind to sell in most markets worldwide. While developed mostly in the Republic of Korea, Chevrolet sold plenty of Traxes in multitude of markets – except for the USA. This was rectified for 2015 and sales for the Trax has been doing quite well. In August of 2015, Chevrolet sold almost 6,000 units in the USA. Perhaps it is because of its squat appearance that is tall and a bit awkward. It may be a good fit for other markets, but I am not quite sure when it is presented in various parts of our country. Yet, it works, with wide front doors and liftgate, decent rear seat access and cargo space. The digital instrumentation screen augments an analog tachometer, a paean to the Spark and Sonic it shares its DNA with. Seats are OK, though the LT's cloth was a bit wearing on me.

Only one engine is available – a turbocharged 1.4 liter Ecotec four-cylinder engine. Connected to a six-speed automatic, this driveline is pretty spunky and wants to go. Yet, heavy throttle for passing and getting on the highway reveals a sluggish side to the Trax. Handling, ride quality and maneuverability was decent. The LT model I drove had front-wheel drive. I was hoping to see the difference in ground clearance, but found myself wanting more – at least to compare with an all-wheel drive version.

The Trax is doing fine for Chevrolet, but buyers are expecting more when they come to the Bowtie's showroom. If they settle for less, the Trax will be just fine.

HONDA HR-V: Out of the gate, the HR-V was looking like the leader in its class. Then, sales started fizzling out, giving the Trax, the Kia Soul and the Jeep Renegade the class lead. There is no rhyme or reason, because this is one of the better vehicles in its class. Consider that the HR-V rides on the Fit’s platform and is powered by a Civic driveline. The result is a mix of design elements taken from various Honda models that actually make the HR-V pretty compelling. The C-pillar door latch for the wide-opening rear doors and its unique front end, make the HR-V standout, even as you look and enjoy the Fit-inspired cabin. Let us not forget about the Magic Seat cargo management system, which provides more options to carry everything from area rugs to tall plants…and, even, musical instruments.

That Civic driveline makes the difference. The 1.8 liter four-cylinder has 141 horsepower to work through a choice of a six-speed manual transmission or a CVT. My EX-L model had the CVT and all-wheel drive, which was a fine driveline to consider. It also rides well – the best in its class so far. Handling is pretty good, too – not to mention traction management. I could go on, but I felt that the HR-V had everything lined up for a group of four to enjoy a nice ride somewhere.

In all, its early success was no fluke. Seeing how Honda has been developing its crossover lineup, the HR-V should take off again in the next several months as the class leader again.

Previously, I had driven the Soul, XV Crosstrek, and the Juke. The Soul has the passenger space, but it lacks cargo space behind the back seat, a high ground clearance and an all-wheel drive option. The XV Crosstrek I drove was the Hybrid, which spoiled a very competent small crossover-wish vehicle. Had I drove the regular all-wheel drive XV Crosstrek, I would be singing the Subaru’s praises by claiming it would be the right vehicle in its class before considering cargo space. The Juke also has all-wheel drive, but it is more show than go. That is, unless you really want the NISMO RS model. Though I drove the Renegade briefly, I will be getting that and the Mazda CX-3 in over the next couple of months.

The reality is that vehicle offerings in the USA market are indeed getting smaller. Yet, size does not constrict accommodation and attainable performance. These crossovers are also becoming popular elsewhere in the world, showing manufacturers that it is possible to instill the idea that smaller could be better for American roads…and parking spaces.

I am convinced…somewhat. Yet, my preferences for crossovers run bigger. This piece isn't really about me…but of you. The consumer has to know that these subcompact crossovers are not really a fad. Even with gas prices dropping towards new decade lows, paying less to fill a subcompact crossover's tank is equally attractive to filling the tank of a much larger vehicle.

You see, there is really nothing to be afraid of.

DISCLAIMER: Vehicles in this article were provided by Mitsubishi Motors North America, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, General Motors and American Honda Motor, Inc.

All photos by Randy Stern

V&R Stories: Being a "Zipster"

January 21, 2021 by Randy Stern

The push for personal sustainability may have been thwarted. Or, has it?

At the onset of a new year, some communities across the USA are seeing something they have not seen in a very long time: Very low gas pump prices. Pump prices have dipped below $2.00 a gallon in plenty of places – which is either good or bad news, depending on where you sit.

This could be a temporary situation. Traditionally, gas prices start to climb sometime after the first of the year. Enjoy it, while you can!

For a non-car owner, it will not affect them. They already pay fluctuating ride costs when they tap on their Uber or Lyft app. Public transit has already set fares to recoup their own fuel and operations costs. Taxis are not going to lower fares, either.

Car sharing operations are in the same state of flux. Who knows what the price of gas will be next week…or month? They have a set rate per hour – or minute – and their subscribers know how to work the system of the service they use.

In these days of temporary gas price relief, is car sharing still relevant?

In preparation for an upcoming issue that a local publication I write for is doing, I decided to try a new (to me) car sharing service to find out – Zipcar.

You may have heard of Zipcar. Celebrating their 15th year of operation, they were recently acquired by Avis Budget Group to maintain their global presence. When they first arrived in the Twin Cities, they served only the students, faculty and staff of the University of Minnesota. A change in contract for car sharing services on campus sent Zipcar out into the greater community with hubs in both Minneapolis and St. Paul. That move put Zipcar in direct competition with local non-profit HourCar, Daimler AG-owned car2go, and Enterprise Car Share.

According to Brian Harvey, Zipcar Minneapolis Market Manager, there are 10,000 vehicles in the fleet around the world with over 900,000 "Zipsters" – the term they use to identify their subscribers. One of the benefits of being a "Zipster" is access to the 10,000 vehicles in the fleet wherever Zipcar has its service available. The Zipcard members get, along with downloading the app, can assist when you need a car in a city you just happen to visit.

In the Twin Cities, there are 32 or so vehicles. Zipcar was unable to provide a breakdown on how many users are in this market.

Before their arrival into Minnesota, Zipcars were present in many cities, mostly using on-street spots to increase access to users. I saw this up close in Portland, Oregon, where it seemed that Zipcar had the downtown core covered extremely well. In Minneapolis, Zipcar do not has that dense of a presence, therefore they positioned their vehicles at key locations downtown and in Uptown. HourCar and Enterprise also maintain key hubs in those two locations, though HourCar has more city-wide coverage including Northeast Minneapolis. The only car sharing service with a presence in North Minneapolis is car2go, which their parking flexibility allows them to go anywhere within the city limits. As other car sharing services found out, the Northside is a tough market to crack due to various factors regarding public/shared transportation use.

As with all other car sharing services, in order for me – a resident of a place connected to the "Northside" – to use one, I would have to go the nearest hub in the North Loop, or go directly into downtown Minneapolis. That would require a bus, of course. Or, as some people have done, take a nearby car2go smart fortwo to said hub. It almost sounds like "Planes, Trains and Automobiles!"

There is one attraction to Zipcar in comparison to other car sharing services in the Twin Cities. When HourCar opened up ten years ago, they featured the Toyota Prius. Everyone thought that the hybrid would be the perfect vehicle to use in car sharing. It had a huge cabin, loads of cargo space and would return high fuel economy with low emissions. Yet, they were not affordable to buy. What HourCar and other services found out, it would be cheaper to own and operate smaller subcompacts – namely the Honda Fit – than build an entire region-wide fleet of Priuses.

Zipcar's 2014 Nissan Frontier SV 4X4 Crew Cab

Zipcar is different, as it would leverage the fleet of Avis Budget Group to put specific vehicles out in the fleet. It also meant diversifying the fleet to meet community needs. While the bulk of the fleet is the Ford Focus, there is a wide variety of vehicles to choose from. In the case of Zipcar in Minneapolis, there are some interesting hubs to be found – including two BMWs, an Audi and a Nissan Frontier pickup truck.

Why on Earth would you let two BMWs out on your fleet to share?

Harvey explains further: "With over 30 makes and models available in the global Zipcar fleet we offer more car types than any other car sharing service. This means that a member can use a hybrid for a quick trip around the city, an SUV for ski trip, or a minivan for a weekend away with the family. We have a variety of cars to fit a variety of use cases. Our cars fit our member's needs."

That's great, but what about around here? "Of course in an area like the Twin Cities," Harvey explains, “it makes sense to have cars that function well in snow so we’ve added all-wheel drive and four wheel drive vehicles like the Ford Escape, Subaru (XV) Crosstrek and Impreza, Nissan Frontier, and BMW 328i (xDrive) and 528i (xDrive). About 40% of our local fleet is AWD/4WD and about the same amount have heated seats!"

Everything sounded good so far. Having been an HourCar member and currently carry a car2go membership, I figured I would try Zipcar to see if it fits in my transportation strategy.

At first, I wanted to see how Zipcar works. I decided to do an hour with one of their vehicle for the experience. After going through the app on my phone, I found something near where I was having lunch nearby Minneapolis Community and Technical College and booked it. A few minutes later, there it was – a 2014 Nissan Frontier SV crew cab pickup with four-wheel drive Zipcar calls “Husky.” I figured that I would be covering compact/midsized pickups this year, so I tapped my card on the reader and got settled in.

The idea of having a truck as a car share vehicle came from HourCar. Their users wanted something to use when they go to IKEA or a nearby home improvement place. After adding two pickups to their fleet, Zipcar thought it was a good idea to take one of their trucks from the Avis Budget fleet and add it in Minneapolis.

Having never driven either of HourCar's trucks, the Frontier offered plenty of cabin space with the crew cab. You can seat four or five, which may be a huge advantage in Zipcar's favor. The bed is short, but could be used for those trips to buy furniture, plants or anything else needed around the home. Not to mention, the Frontier is quite a tough truck. The V6 underneath the hood powered the truck around Minneapolis without hesitation. The ride and handling was stable, which is fine for those the purpose intended.

The trip was over short of an hour. That meant parking where I left it – an on-street space a block near the MCTC campus – and tapping the card to lock the Frontier up.

It was that simple. Using the app to reserve, tapping the card to unlock and lock and drive. Your charge – an hourly rate with appropriate taxes – is sent to the credit card on file. If you have driving credits, which some plans offer monthly, they are applied against your charges per trip.

So, if it was that simple to do, would you use Zipcar? I asked myself that question after I left the Frontier at its location. The answer was simple: Of course! I'd do it again.

A week later, I had a funeral to attend. I needed wheels to get there. Since I was in-between vehicles to review, I looked at Zipcar again. It was a natural choice. The booking was done in advance and was all set to do an extended trip to pay my final respects to a former co-worker.

This time, I took one of the BMWs.

It may seem a bit over the top, taking a BMW that is not yours to a memorial service. Then again, some of them know what I do, whom I write for and so forth. It seemed somewhat appropriate, perhaps a bit pretentious.

What I did not fully count on was the weather. While air temperatures warmed up, the sky opened up to snow showers and flurries. Luckily, this 2014 BMW 328i had xDrive – all wheel drive. I'm pretty familiar with the system, so there is some confidence in it. I was concerned about the all-season Pirellis shod on the BMW.

All fears had to be shelved as I set off to Eagan and the memorial service. I did my best to keep the BMW on track through the snow on the freeways. I applied as much washer fluid to keep the windows clear and made sure I was warm inside. Needless to say, the Zipcar BMW 328i xDrive got me there in one piece – and back.

When the BMW was returned to its hub near Loring Park, I had to report a couple of things. One, was to confirm some scrape on the side of the car. The customer service agent at Zipcar confirmed several reports of that scrape prior to my rental. I also saw a yellow warning light and message about the battery discharging low. I reported that issue and she sent it on to the local office. The vehicle was taken care of rather quickly by the local fleet manager, according to Harvey.

The key to a good car sharing service is customer interaction. Avis Budget always had a reputation for good customer service and that is why I use them for regular rentals when I need them. Zipcar adds to this reputation on both the local and national level. This is the real win for Zipcar users wherever they use the service.

The overall experience for Zipcar has been extremely positive. The cars are mainly in good shape, but users need to report anything out of the ordinary when possible. They are also clean, devoid of trash and other things left behind. The main concern is exposure to the elements. If there is a set time for rotation of these vehicles, they would be served better in outdoor locations to avoid issues from weather and climate exposure – especially here in the Twin Cities.

However, there is an issue about outdoor accessibility to the Zipcar fleet. With most of its fleet parked curbside instead of in ramps (parking garages in Minnesota-speak), they are at the whim of the Minneapolis City Council. By September 11 of this year, the City of Minneapolis will determine whether to extend the pilot program to allow car sharing on city curbs rather than off street locations. According to Harvey, if the City Council chooses to end cubrside car sharing, they will be fine with going back to off-street locations where they started when they began in the Twin Cities a few years ago.

Perhaps that is fine. What makes a good car sharing service is an attention to providing a fleet that is serviced and supported well. If you happen to be in multiple cities, you have to have consistency across the board on both counts.

It certainly sounds like Zipcar has found its place in the Twin Cities, just as it has elsewhere they operate. It is the one car sharing service that provides a diverse selection of vehicles for both locals and visitors to use. And, it is very sustainable – regardless of the price of gas.

Car sharing is still relevant when it is needed. To that end, Zipcar works.

All photos by Randy Stern

Reliving The Dream at Road America – Part 1

August 2, 2022 by Randy Stern

It has been a year since my first Midwest Automotive Media Association Spring Rally.

A lot has changed over the course of that year. I now write for three outlets. Instead of going to an unfulfilling day job and scrounge for time to do the work I love, I commute daily to an editor's chair at my newest outlet – CarSoup.com. In a quick amount of time, my presence has grown with – hopefully – my ego kept in check.

However, my arrival at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin was tempered. The increased role within my profession comes with a mixed bag of stuff. While it is tempting to simply drive vehicles I would never get a chance to experience, photograph and write about them, I have been lumped with a lot of new responsibilities to tend to. At this point, I would rather leave those issues alone and offline for the time being.

Still, I felt stressed as I inched the 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid Touring from my office in Bloomington, Minnesota to The Osthoff Resort via Madison. Somehow, Madison is a magnet since it is where this career began to take root. I always try to unwind amid familiar surroundings before taking on the privileges membership in a media guild provides. My mobile device now has e-mail from my editor's position, which provided no relief from the stress I felt from the office. I understand that, yes, with a larger role in this business come greater responsibility. There is no time to skate away from there.

Still, I always want to do my best in everything I do. There are still unknowns to tackle while I settle into my new role. These clouded what I came to accomplish at Road America. However, I managed to accomplish them the best way I could.

Breakfast With A Hellcat
Sometimes, the Spring Rally will get a surprise or two from the manufacturers. Though already announced, this surprise was a three-dimensional version of what was paraded across social media for two days.

Dodge brand CEO Tim Kuniskis arrived on the lawn in front of Lola’s Restaurant at The Osthoff and beckon us closer to a red draped Challenger. On each flank of the "mystery" car are the 2015 versions of the Charger R/T and Challenger Scat Pack. I already knew what it was. We were very excited to actually put a finger on it.

The 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT is one angry mother. The grille will be different from the 1971-esque standard Challies, a bolder mesh in black. The inboard second front light has been replaced with more air induction. The hood has a massive scoop and a duet of air extractors.

It under that new hood is what makes the Challenger SRT. The new 6.2liter HEMI V8 has a supercharger inducing somewhere over 600 horsepower. It comes with an appropriate name: Hellcat. It is one of those names that will supersede any official name you give it. This engine will come with the new eight-speed automatic that could manage all of that power. For those who rather clutch than anything, you can still get a six-speed manual gearbox to row with the Hellcat. Drive modes will be part of the SRT package – including Track, of course.

It is not every day when you could wake up, have breakfast with about 100 or so folks and hear the roar of a Hellcat. It is also not every day you get to see a brand new piece of machinery before the enthusiasts could even get close to one. In particular, getting to view one in the flesh that would entertain the heart of this readership.

Driving Those Dreams
My main assignment for one of my outlets was to get impressions of the 2015 Chrysler 200. It was important to focus on this car since it garnered the largest buzz this year amongst new car debuts and extends the Chrysler story for what could be the biggest challenge for the company.

Knowing I will be doing more work with this car, my first impression has been extremely positive. I truly love the new 200. It is a massive leap forward for Fiat Chrysler Automobile to compete in the biggest segment in North America. I cannot wait to get this in for a full review on Twin Cities turf.

Aside from the 200, there were other significant vehicles that needed to be experienced. Having never driven a Land Rover/Range Rover product in my life, I jumped in the Range Rover Evoque. Being the company's compact premium crossover, I always wanted to know whether it backed up its claims. It is nice – soft ride, supple, some roll in the turns, roomy up front and plenty of power from its turbocharged four-cylinder.

One thing came to mind as I drove the Evoque. There is an impression that if I drove any Land Rover/Range Rover product, there should be something special in the way it goes about its business. It is what you expect from a luxury product. The Evoque somehow does not feel that way. It just feels like any other compact crossover/SUV – perhaps with a few embellishments and tech pieces. It is a good vehicle, nonetheless.

If there was one surprise amongst the vehicles driven was the 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe. Normally, General Motors' big SUV would be seen as a huge, hulking and linear conveyance. A brief in the drive of a Cadillac Escalade a few years ago confirmed these notions, despite some enhancements over the Chevrolet and GMC large SUVs. The new Tahoe is different with more concentration on design, interior accommodations and integration and driving dynamics that feel more like a wagon than a truck.

The surprise was that it drove much better than that. The LTZ sampler I captained had Magnetic Ride Control – something you find on the likes of the Cadillac CTS, Chevrolet Corvette Stingray and Buick Regal GS. That alone made a huge difference towards making the Tahoe a better driver than before. Add cylinder deactivation, a smooth automatic transmission, more comfortable seating, better ergonomics and a solid transition between body and frame, then you have the recipe for excellence. I am glad to have experienced the Tahoe – it is much better than I expected.

There were more important vehicles to try out, however. Perhaps at the top of my list was the Holden VF Commodore SS – also known as the Chevrolet SS. If there was any vehicle that truly exceeded my expectations, it was this one. The fact that it had a 6.2liter V8 with 415 horsepower, a six-speed automatic and very comfortable sports seats helped greatly. What I did not expect was how quiet and poised the SS truly is. Yes, it balanced a solid ride without extreme firmness, but it handled without lean or roll in the corners. It also accomplished cornering at any speed without putting the fear of a higher power onto you.

Granted, it is a fuel drinker. If you had an SS – who cares? You do not drive it to be sustainable or If it were my $45,000-plus in the bank and I wanted a performance sedan that I would go and carve up an Interstate or a twisty road somewhere – I would pick the Chevrolet SS.

But, there was one vehicle that truly blew my mind into shrapnel. For just under $165,000, I may have found my weapon for world domination. With 577 horsepower from its twin-turbocharged 5.5liter V8, the Mercedes-Benz S 63 AMG absolutely defies reason. Seriously, you really do not need that kind of power to enjoy the S-Class. It does not hurt, either.

It is beyond just that engine. The S-Class denotes a premier experience amongst flagship sedans. AMG is performance beyond limits – an experience onto itself. The combination of the two can reverse the aging process. For example, I was no longer a responsible, 50-year-old automotive writer/editor/photographer with a mature outlook on the subject. I was 30 again. I had enough power under my foot to not care if I got pulled over by a trooper. The S 63 AMG facilitated fearlessness. Yet, I am reminded that with power comes responsibility – exactly as Mercedes-Benz intended.

Other vehicles driven at the Spring Rally were the 2015 Hyundai Genesis, 2015 Kia K900, 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited with the EcoDiesel, 2015 Honda Fit, and 2014 MINI Cooper S. I would rather save the bandwidth than go into each one of these vehicles in depth. You should see some of these vehicles in for review in the months to come.

…and there is one more tale to tell! I will leave the suspense right here for the next posting…

Cover photo by Jiyan Cadiz/Fiat Chrysler Automobile for Victory & Reseda. All other photos by Randy Stern