Letter from Europe - Acura RDX, Kia Sorento, Chrysler 300, Scion iA

by Andrew Frankl
European Bureau Chief
The Auto Channel

If you go to a concert at the Greek Theater in Berkeley you need a suitable automobile. A car which is pianissimo when driven slowly, fortissimo when maximum acceleration is required and is a pleasure to drive at all times. Especially if the occasion is Beethoven’s Ninth conducted by Gustavo Dudamel, one of the greatest conductor of our times.

Well, Acura’s RDX was just the ticket. The previous day it swallowed two sets of golf clubs, provided perfect air conditioning in 90 degree temperatures and was running like a Swiss clock. The RDX is officially described as a luxury crossover and I have no argument with that. Dynamically it is not top of the class, that accolade goes to Porsche’s Macan but I found it perfectly satisfactory. The Acura is also considerably less expensive. For long-distance cruising I found it ideal. Using a gentle foot on the brake getting 28 miles per gallon was a piece of cake. I did, however find the 3.5 liter V-6 somewhat underwhelming, could have used a bit more oomph.

The forward collision warning is a great feature as is adaptive cruise control. Some of my colleagues found it somewhat soul less, to be honest I am not quite sure what they are talking about. If they are looking for soul try a Corvette. The Acura is attractive looking, functional and during my test it never missed a beat. Would I like to have it as “my” car? Yes, but probably with a hybrid engine to get over 30 miles per gallon.

KIA’s 2016 Sorento is vastly improved product. A good friend has just returned from a 3500 mile trip from San Francisco to Montana and Idaho and raved about the Sorento. He managed to get 27 gallons even though he climbed more mountains than Julie Andrews. All this at a price tag a good 10 thousand dollars under its rivals. The interior is excellent and there is tons of space for bags, shopping, you name it. The 10 speaker Infinity surround sound system was great and the all important (hello supermarket parking lots) rear back up camera just fine.

There are several engine options, none of them of that great. OK rather than amazing. In the value for money stakes the Sorento is in a class of its own. Now they can concentrate on ride and handling and some more refined engines. Still, the improvements are dramatic. Way to go Kia.

The Chrysler 300S is an anachronism. Let me explain. We live in Marin County, north of the Golden Gate Bridge. Mill Valley-just across the road from us is the pinko-liberal capital of America. Where I’ve been described as a male white Caucasian. You get the picture. Consequently the 300S sticks out among the hybrids as something I used to joke about but dare not any more.

On the other hand let’s move a few thousand miles to Texas and the 300S would be welcome with open arms, Shades of Burt Reynolds, Smokey and the Bandit, the Cannonball run and all the other crazy, wonderful things of yesteryear which all fall into the strictly non-PC category.

A great shame if you ask me because the Chrysler is a rough but ready automobile. As subtle as a Sherman tank with an exterior only a Mother could love. Not that you would have a lot of time staring at it because with its 5.7 liter V8 HEMI engine it really does go like smoke. No wonder the police departments are Chrysler’s biggest customers.

For 44 thousand dollars including all extras you are getting an awful lot of automobile. Anti-lock 4 wheel disc brakes (a must with this sort of performance), electronic stability control, remote start system, a rotary shifter (thank you Jaguar), the list is long and offers tremendous value. Consumption-well, let’s be reasonable, what can you expect from a 5.7 liter engine ?!

All in all huge fun, just don’t expect the red carpet at the Mill Valley film festival.

Toyota Scion iA was a total surprise. Having never been in one before I had vision of a funky, strictly for teenagers cheapo-cheapo special. Far from it. For 17 thousand dollars you get things which a few years ago would have been extras on luxury automobiles. Touch screen display? 6 speakers? Remote keyless entry? (There are several cars that still do not have this at twice the price.) And so it goes on. Rear back up camera at 17 thou? Come on. But it’s true.

Dislikes? Well, the seats for sure could be more substantial and made of a better material. The engine can only be described as adequate, this 1.5 liter 4 cyl power unit is definitely not for trying overtaking maneuvers unless you are passing a bicycle.

On the other hand if you are minding your own business at a steady 60 miles per hour you will get the best part of 40 miles per gallon. The sort of car that would fit a librarian or a nurse admirably. Honest, modest and reliable.

See you all next month, thanks for TACH'n, A.