2012 KIA Optima SX Car Coach, Car Review

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Courtesy of YNN/ Time Warner Cable
Aired: 10/02/2012

The 2012 KIA Optima SX has beautiful styling, a long list of features and enjoyable driving dynamics. Lauren Fix, The Car Coach, has the details.

Model - 2012 KIA Optima SX
MPG - 22/34 mpg
Engine - 2.0L Turbo with 274 hp and tons of torque.
Transmissions: 6-speed automatic
Price - starts at $26,500

The 2012 KIA Optima SX offers these standard features:
· Bluetooth
· iPod input
· Satellite radio
· Side/Curtain Airbags
· Stability Control
· Traction Control
· Standard 18" wheels
· Navigation System (Optional)

The Optima SX is attractive and spacious. Behind the wheel, it's a good balance of comfort and sporty handling around turns. If you have a lead foot, then you will love the turbocharged SX model; it has power that matches most V6 engines and still gets respectable fuel economy.

Our test vehicle included the technology package: UVO and Sirius radio; panoramic sunroof; high quality Infinity Audio; rear backup camera and enjoyable heated front and rear seats; plus cooled front seats.

Overall, the Optima SX provides pleasing performance, good fuel economy and a spacious, high-tech interior, all of which combine to make it a great value.

Competes with:
· Ford Fusion
· Toyota Camry
· Dodge Dart
· VW Jetta GLI
· Nissan Altima
· And many others

Likes-
· Good looking, stylish design
· More premium features than its competition
· Great pricing and long warranty
· Powerful, very responsive engine with great fuel economy

Dislikes-
· Needs lumbar on passenger side
· Would like a larger navigation screen

The 2012 KIA Optima SX is an affordable, fun-to-drive vehicle that offers great driving dynamics, wrapped in a stylish package that provides all it promises.

Remember, when shopping for a new car, test drive as many vehicles as you can in the class you are looking in to make sure you find the car that is best for you.

2012 Infiniti G37xS Car Coach, Car Review

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Courtesy of YNN/ Time Warner Cable
Aired: 10/04/2012

The 2012 Infiniti G37xS is a coupe with great value and a refined, sporty driving experience. This vehicle is a great choice if you rarely have back-seat passengers or a lot of luggage. Lauren Fix, the Car Coach, takes a closer look.

Model - 2012 Infiniti G37xS Coupe
MPG - 18/25 20 mpg combined
Engine - 3.7L engine with 330 hp riding on 18-inch alloy wheels
Transmissions: 7-speed automatic with drive sport mode
Price - starts at $40,700
Test Car - $48,445.00

The 2012 Infiniti G37xS Coupe is a sleek, sporty and powerful upscale midsize car. This vehicle is a great choice if you rarely have back-seat passengers or a lot of luggage.

My test drive in the G37x proved that was not only luxurious but also extremely fun to fling around corners. With its potent V6 engines, excellent handling and high-end interior, it was comfortable enough for a long road trip.

The 2012 Infiniti G comes in three body styles: sedan, coupe and convertible. The manual transmission in the G was easy to shift and placed the power where most needed. All the body styles not only look good but perform equally well.

Our test car came with the premium package including a sunroof, rear backup sensors, premium Bose audio, and a sport package including 19" wheels and a sport-tuned suspension with sport brakes.

The Infiniti G37 offers a good balance of fun and luxury, and its lower base price compared with many of its rivals makes it a good option among upscale midsize cars.

Competes with:
•Lexus IS250
•Acura TL
•Mercedes-Benz C-Class C300
•Volvo S60
•Volkswagen CC VR6
•Buick Regal CXL Turbo

Likes:
•Great exhaust notes
•Tight handling
•Strong brakes
•Easy-to-use high-tech features

Dislikes:
•Rear headroom is tight
•Minimal trunk space
•Needs adjustable seatbelts

The 2012 Infiniti G37xS Coupe is sport-focused, intelligently designed and attractively priced. It's an excellent choice for a luxury sport coupe.

Sonic Resurfacing: Lauren Fix, The Car Coach:

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Sonic Resurface virtually erases scratches on most surfaces and it takes only minutes and provides long-lasting results.

What causes this type of damage? Most car scratches cut into the car’s clear coat, but don’t gouge into the paint layer. Bushes, tree branches, keys and fingernails around the door handles can cause these kinds of scratches. In addition, acid rain can damage paint and the clear coat.
Everyday weather can leave interesting gifts on our autos: acid rain, tree sap, bird droppings and bee spots. When you see these gifts, remove them from your paint as soon as you can. Left in place, they can etch paint and release surface contaminants that eat away at paint. It can be difficult to repair such areas after etching has occurred.

Keys and belt buckles can cause deep scratches down to the base (color) coat or primer. Unfortunately, they cannot be removed nor can they be made to look less noticeable. That’s when it’s time to get Sonic Resurfacing from the pros.

If you choose to never clean your car, I promise that rust will appear on your vehicle and it will spread, leaving you with an ugly car and a repair bill.

Restore the original luster of your paint by removing scratches from the clear coat.

For more information:  www.deltasoniccarwash.com

‘THE CAR COACH’® LAUREN FIX WINS TWO PRESTIGIOUS AWARDS INCLUDING SEMA BUSINESS NETWORK’S ‘WOMAN OF THE YEAR

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For Immediate Release Contact: Jarrod Holland HHPR 910-395-9109 jarrod@hhpr.biz


‘THE CAR COACH’® LAUREN FIX WINS TWO PRESTIGIOUS AWARDS INCLUDING SEMA BUSINESS NETWORK’S ‘WOMAN OF THE YEAR’

The Renowned Automotive Analyst, Car Care Expert and Author Receives Accolades for Industry Contributions and PR Efforts


Buffalo, NY (Nov. 2, 2012)—Lauren Fix, the admired automotive analyst who is relied upon by news sources and the public alike, is honored to announce that she is the recipient of the “Woman of the Year" Award from the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Businesswomen’s Network and The Car Care Council’s “Automotive Communications Award” for public relations efforts. 
The SEMA Businesswomen's Network Woman of the Year Award has been established to honor a female SEMA member for her outstanding achievements and contributions in the automotive aftermarket.
The Car Care Council Women's Board applauds those companies and individuals who provide automotive information to consumers and the trade professionals who interact with them on a daily basis. Whether it be through outstanding advertising, marketing, merchandising and/or effective PR, these two organizations would like to recognize their efforts through the Automotive Communications Awards competition.
Lauren represented the Car Care Council, a non-profit organization that educates and empowers drivers, during her Weather Channel segments regarding being prepared for driving in various weather conditions.
“I can’t even express how honored I am,” said Lauren Fix.  “Receiving these two awards is humbling to say the least.”


About Lauren Fix Lauren Fix, “the Car Coach®,” is a nationally recognized TV Automotive Expert and an authority on consumer issues such as: new and used cars and trucks, automotive car care, driving skills, and repair and safety issues. Lauren has been a strong part of the automotive industry all her life and is a trophy winning racecar driver! From sales to marketing to design Lauren is a real DIYer (do-it-yourselfer) and offers consumers education from personal experiences. In fact, Lauren Fix was the host and automotive expert for Talk 2 DIY Automotive; a show on the Do-It-Yourself Network (DIY), providing in-depth demonstrations and tips for auto repair.
Lauren is an automotive columnist for The Buffalo News and AOL Autos, and is the National Automotive Correspondent for Time Warner Cable and The Weather Channel.  She also appears regularly as a guest expert on shows such as TODAY, The View, CNN, CBS, CNBC and FOX News, to name a few. Lauren can be seen from coast-to-coast on local morning and mid-day programs as well. She has written articles and has been quoted in several publications including USA Today, Good Housekeeping, Redbook, Woman’s World, Esquire, First for Women, InTouch and Self.
In addition, Lauren is the award-winning author of three automotive books, Driving Ambitions: A Complete Guide to Amateur Auto Racing, The Performance Tire, and "Lauren Fix’s Guide to Loving Your Car" with St. Martin Press.
Ms. Fix is owner of Automotive Aspects Inc., a consulting firm that provides media consulting and broadcast messaging strategy services. Consequently, she makes a highly credible automotive expert, proving to be been a leader in positive consumer awareness to consumers in the automotive world.  One example of Lauren’s consulting work resulted in a Silver Anvil Award winning campaign for USAA and their Auto Circle Webinar, which was created to answer consumers’ car questions.
For more information regarding Lauren Fix, please contact Jarrod Holland at (910) 395-9109 or e-mail jarrod@hhpr.biz. Or visit www.laurenfix.com for more tips from the coach herself.

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2013 Porsche Cayenne Diesel: Car Coach, Car Review

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The 2013 Porsche Cayenne Diesel gives you luxury, performance and long distance driving - up to 700 miles on one tank. Lauren Fix, the Car Coach, takes a closer look.


The 2013 Porsche Cayenne Diesel combines the legendary Porsche sports car performance with convenient SUV utility and all-season capability. The Diesel Cayenne has a permanent all-wheel drive system.


Model - 2013 Porsche Cayenne Diesel
MPG - 20/29 mpg
Engine - 3.0L V6 engine with 240 hp. and 406 ft./lbs. of torque.
Transmission - 8 speed automatic
Towing Capacity- 7,700 lbs.
Price - starts at $56,725
Test Car - $69,960 with BOSE Audio Package and the Premium Package.


Our test drive vehicle had great torque and overtaking another vehicle on the highway can be achieved by just squeezing the throttle a little harder, without the need for the velvety smooth, quick-shifting 8-speed automatic to downshift. The Diesel feels quicker than its specs claim, which isn't surprising given Porsche's performance history.

Steering response, handling, turning radius and braking are more like a sports car than an SUV. Overall handling is so good that it continues to amaze me that the Cayenne is a truck.

The interior has very comfortable, quality adjustable seating with sporty style and the very highest standards. Under the hatch was a large, versatile luggage compartment.

The optional High-End Surround Sound System from Burmester® offers concert-hall qualities. Once you’ve heard it for yourself, you’ll know we are not exaggerating.

Competes with:
•Audi Q7 TDI
•Mercedes GL BlueTec
•Volkswagen Touareg TDI
•BMW X5 Diesel

Likes:
•Excellent handling
•Finely crafted interior
•Amazing torque
•High-tech features and options

Dislikes:
•Optional packages can make the car expensive.
•Should have a heads-up display

The 2013 Porsche Cayenne Diesel is a torquey SUV that offers class, performance and a 765-mile projected range. All this is in a very desirable vehicle that drives like a Porsche.

For more information, visit http://www.porsche.com/.

2013 Infiniti JX35 Car Coach, Car Review

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The 2013 Infiniti JX35 is a seven-passenger CUV loaded with sophisticated technology, plenty of driving comforts, and a curvy design. The JX35 has road presence, from the stylized chrome grille to the crescent shaped rear pillars. Lauren Fix, the Car Coach, takes a closer look.
  Model - 2013 Infiniti JX35
MPG - 18/24 21 mpg combined
Engine - 3.5L V6 engine with 265 hp. riding on 18-inch alloy wheels
Built in: Smyrna, TN
Price - starts at $40,450
Test Vehicle - $54,070 was equipped with the Technology package including Back-Up Collision Intervention and Forward Collision Warning, remote engine start, heated steering wheel, Blinds Spot and Lane Departure Warning and Prevention Systems and Intelligent Cruise Control.
The 2013 Infiniti JX35 also offers a Theatre package with dual 7-inch color screens and 2-wireless headsets. The Deluxe Touring package includes 20” wheels and Bose Cabin Surround Sound system with beautiful sound, especially when you add the Premium package to the shopping list.
Infiniti’s goal with the 2013 JX three-row crossover is volume. The interior is a huge space with plenty of storage and comfort for the whole family.
The JX35 has road presence, from the stylized chrome grille to the crescent shaped rear pillars. Infiniti has always done an amazing job with body design.

Competes with:
•Audi Q7
•Lincoln MKT
•Mercedes-Benz GL-class
•Acura MDX
•BMW X5

Likes:
•Easy access to roomy third row
•Plenty of high-tech safety
•Very comfortable seats
•Pleasing ride quality
•Easy to use technology systems

Dislikes:
•Engine needs more power
•Not a fan of the CVT transmission
The 2013 Infiniti JX35 is an excellent luxury CUV for someone who wants everything from style to technology to a smooth quiet ride. It's a great family vehicle if it fits your budget.

KNOCK-OFF AIRBAGS EDITION

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THE CAR COACH REPORTS: WEEK IN REVIEW 10-12-12

KNOCK-OFF AIRBAGS EDITION

Last week I wrote about the seemingly endless stream of auto recalls that have plagued the automotive industry in recent years. This week, The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration issued a warning about the dangers of counterfeit airbags: http://www.nhtsa.gov/About+NHTSA/Press+Releases/2012/Safety+Advisory:+NHTSA+Alerting+Consumers+to+Dangers+of+Counterfeit+Air+Bags
These phony airbags have been traced back to China. Just like fake designer purses and knock-off Ray Bans, counterfeit airbags are close imitations of the real thing, often complete with the insignia of major automakers. Unlike your bootleg DVD and fake Rolex, however, a counterfeit airbag can kill you.
It’s very lucky that no deaths or injuries related to fake airbags have been reported so far. Best-case scenario: the fake airbag never deploys. Worst-case scenario: the airbag explodes and bombards you with shrapnel. Check out this grim footage from NHTSA of a phony airbag deploying: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8HhZsAPl2d8
I don’t know about you, but that’s enough to make me wince.
According to the NHTSA, these counterfeit airbags have only been introduced in the last three years and so only affect a small percentage of cars. If you bought your car new or haven’t replaced your airbags in the last three years, you should be in the clear. If, however, you suspect you’re at risk, you should have your airbags inspected immediately. Visit http://www.safercar.gov/ for more information.
In other news, The Christian Science Monitor reports that Italy’s bicycle sales exceeded its automotive sales for the first time since World War II: http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Global-News/2012/1003/Arrivederci-auto!-Italy-s-bike-purchases-outstrip-car-sales

Cycling advocates argue that bikes offer Italians a healthy, cheap, and green alternative in a nation that’s still waiting for an economic rebound. Something tells me that Italy’s infamously narrow and chaotic streets aren’t exactly cyclist friendly.
All roads may lead to Rome, but you won’t catch me riding a push-pedal on the Autostrada.
What do you think?
Post your comments at http://laurenfix.blogspot.com/
My Final Thought:
Do battery cars actually contribute more to global warming? Check out this article by The Detroit Bureau: http://www.thedetroitbureau.com/2012/10/could-battery-cars-pose-environmental-threat/
According to a new study, electric car technology requires more energy to produce, which can result in more CO2 emissions than internal combustion engine vehicles. In fact, the report concludes that, “the global warming potential from electric vehicle production is about twice that of conventional vehicles.”
So remind me again why the government insists that this is the only way to a healthier environment? The plot thickens…
Love your car!  See you next week!
--Lauren Fix