MPG-o-Matic Mitsubishi Outlander XLS Review Summary:. The 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander XLS is among the most sporting of the mid-size Sport Utility Vehicles (SUV), with a rally-inspired design that provides real four-wheel-drive, magnesium paddle shifters, and an optional 650-watt Rockford Fosgate audio system.
All 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander ES and SE models are equipped with a 2.0 liter 4-cylinder engine, producing 168 horsepower (HP) and 167 foot-pounds of torque. The more sporting Outlander XLS is equipped with a 3.0-liter V6, producing 220 HP and 204 foot-pounds of torque. The 2.0-liter is fitted with a CVT, while the 3.0-liter V6 earns a well-suited six-speed automatic transmission.
MPG-o-Matic Audi A4 Quattro Review Summary:. Redesigned for 2009, the stylish Audi A4 Sedan Quattro hits the mark among relatively affordable all-wheel-drive (AWD) luxury sedans. With rock-solid handling, a responsive throttle, a wonderful cabin, and a world-class multimedia system, this just might be the car that gets you to say goodbye to that SUV for good.
The 2009 AWD Audi A4 Quattro Sedan can be equipped with either a turbocharged 2.0 liter 4-cylinder engine, or a 3.2 liter direct-injected six. The 2.0 liter can be fitted to either a 6-speed manual or Tiptronic automatic transmission, while the 3.2 liter is only available with the Tiptronic. A Multitronic CVT automatic transmission is available in the front-wheel drive model, for those so inclined.
The Mitsubishi Outlander delivers mid-range gas mileage ratings in a compact SUV package, and is available in both five- and seven-seat versions. Two engines are offered in the 2009 Outlander: a 2.4-liter inline four and a 3.0-liter V6. The four-cylinder Outlander’s gas mileage ratings are a bit higher than the more powerful V6, with highway figures in the mid-twenty mile per gallon (MPG) range.
In the UK, the 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander is equipped with a highly fuel-efficient intercooled and direct-injected 2.0 liter 16-valve DOHC turbo-diesel engine that produces 33.6 urban / 51.4 extra urban / 42.8 combined miles per British gallon. That equates to roughly 28 city / 42.8 highway / 35.6 combined in US MPG. It’s not just about the mileage, of course … the little diesel four banger pumps out 123 HP and 310 foot pounds of torque. Continue reading →
MPG-o-Matic CX-7 Review Summary:. The AWD Mazda CX-7 stands apart from the flock of five-seat crossovers, with a truly sporting approach and a distinctive design. No question about it … this is the driver’s CUV.
The sporty 2009 Mazda CX-7 is available in both all-wheel- (AWD) and front-wheel-drive (FWD) configurations, with three levels of trim: Sport, Touring, and Grand Touring.
The CX-7 is equipped with a 2.3 liter Direct-Injection Spark Ignition (DISI) turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. The turbo four produces 244 horsepower (HP) and 258 foot pounds of torque. Continue reading →
There’s no better time then the dead of winter to test AWD gas mileage. (As I write this, I’m in the midst of reviewing an AWD 2009 Mazda CX-7 GT. While the official estimates are par for the course, I’ve been able to exceed the numbers on the window sticker.) Unfortunately, AWD gas mileage is nearly always lower than the FWD variant … when all four wheels are driven, fuel economy always suffers. It comes down to simple physics. Even the best gas mileage AWDs top out in the 30 mile per gallon (MPG) highway range.