The Beat Went to Music City

The Beat recently traveled to Nashville to test drive the new Lexus NX (see review link below).
But we also got to do some great site seeing, such as our visit to the Hatch Show Print shop, which for many years has been printing terrific concert signs. We also ate well, at a marvelous restaurant called the Farm House. Music City is great. Check it out sometime.

First Look: Lexus NX

The Beat recently traveled to Nashville to get a look at the all new Lexus NX crossover.
It's got some pretty cool styling and technology, and is surprisingly comfortable.
Check out the full review here.

2014 Mazda MX-5 Miata: Abundant Fun

Some things never get old, like the thrill of driving a fun, exhilarating roadster.

Such is the case with the 2014 Mazda MX-5 Miata, which this year is celebrating the 25^th anniversary of its introduction.

There have been no radical changes to the Miata over the years, which is a good thing, because it has developed a legion of die-hard fans who appreciate everything it stands for.

What does it stand for?

Probably most essential is the fact that folks love it because it is a genuine sports car that presents some of the best driving dynamics in the business, and it gives you that without costing you an arm and a leg.

The Miata added the MX-5 designation to its moniker a few years ago, but lovers still just call it Miata.

It’s powered by a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine that makes 158 horsepower when linked to the six-speed automatic transmission or 167 ponies with the five- or six-speed manual.

Those horsepower numbers aren’t off the charts, but be assured that you won’t feel any lack of power behind the wheel of the Miata.

Fuel economy is rated at 21 mpg city and 28 highway with the manual, and 22 and 28 with the automatic.

In the previous model year, a few changes were made to the front end, and fog lights became standard. Mazda also replaced the Touring version with something it calls the Club model. It features 17-inch dark finish alloy wheels, a new suspension for manual models and a front diffuser.

But the bottom line is, as in most Mazda models, the driving dynamics never disappoint.

Whether it’s sprinting down an interstate highway or taking some twisty rural roads, this machine is a box of thrills.

The handling is superb, thanks to its even weight distribution and tightly tuned suspension.

Acceleration is steady and smooth, and braking is precise and reliable.

Yes, you can get great driving dynamics in cars that cost a whole lot more, but why would you want to pay extra?

The Miata is like paying the cover charge at a bar that a local garage band plays, but getting a concert from the Rolling Stones.

It even has some nice touches, such as the standard leather wrapped steering wheel and the optional heated seats and automatic climate control.

Mind you, as a two-seater, it’s not always the most practical car. Don’t try to haul a bunch of cargo, either.

But that’s not what Miata is about.

It is about a free-spirited, pleasurable ride that makes you smile.

Speaking of which, enthusiasts are already eagerly anticipating the arrival of the ND Miata next year.

We certainly hope to get a peek (and a spin).

The Miata starts at around $23,000 and ranges to close to $33,000.

For big fun in a small package, it’s hard to beat the Miata.

Porsche Tops JD Power Survey For 10th Year in a Row

Porsche is the highest-ranked brand in the annual J.D. Power Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout Study, which was recently released. It was the 10th consecutive to finish for the German brand. Hyundai gained the top spot among non-premium brands and was the highest-ranked non-premium brand in the J.D. Power 2014 Initial Quality Study.  It's the first time a brand has ranked tops in APEAL and IQS in the same year.

Dodge and Porsche won three segment awards each: Dodge for the Challenger, Charger and Dart; and Porsche for the 911, Boxster and Cayenne.

Winners of two segment awards each are Audi, Ford, Mercedes-Benz and Nissan. Audi won for the A8 (tie) and Q5; Ford for the F-150 LD and F-250/F-350 Super Duty; Mercedes-Benz for the CLS-Class and S-Class (tie); and Nissan for the Rogue and Quest.

Other winners included the BMW 4 Series; GMC Yukon; Honda Ridgeline; Hyundai Accent; Kia Soul; Land Rover Range Rover; Mazda MAZDA6; MINI Countryman; Toyota Highlander and Volkswagen GTI.

Mazda was the most improved non-premium brand, gaining the No. 9 spot after taking the No. 16 spot the prior year.  

2014 Toyota Tacoma: Works Hard, Plays Hard

The 2014 Toyota Tacoma is a versatile, rugged truck that lets you work and play in style.

This midsize pickup is perfect for those who want the utility of a truck, but also want something a little smaller and more fuel efficient than full-size models

The Tacoma comes in three cab styles: regular, Access and Double. With the regular and Access models, you get a six-foot bed, and the Double comes with a five- or six-foot bed.

The truck is powered by a standard 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 159 horsepower. Optional is 4.0-liter V-6 that makes 236 horsepower. The four-cylinder models come with a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission, and the V-6 models have a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic.

In all models, automatic limited-slip differential is included.

Fuel economy is rated at 16 mpg city, 19 highway on the V-6 and 21 and 25 on the four-cylinder.

Safety features on the Tacoma include traction control, electronic stability system and side curtain airbags, all standard. A backup camera is optional.

For added functionality and convenience, the TRD models have a 115-volt power outlet in the cargo bed.

The interior is comfortable, with seating for up to five and optional heated front seats.

The Tacoma starts at around $19,000 and ranges to about $30,000.

For a fun, versatile, reliable midsize pickup, you won’t find many choices better than the Tacoma.

Lexus IS 250c is a Fun Convertible

It’s hard to beat getting out on the open road and taking the top down. With the Lexus IS 250c or 350c, you can do just that, in style.

This convertible seats four and has a hardtop roof that opens or closes in 21 seconds.

Its styling is a bit different from its sedan sibling, with coupe-like looks when the top is up and a more snug interior.

Both the sedan and the convertible have a 2.5-liter V-6 that makes 204 horsepower. But the convertible’s gas mileage is a little lower, at 21 mpg city, 30 highway, because of the added weight of the convertible mechanism.

The IS 350c has a 3.5-liter V-6 that makes 306 horsepower, with fuel economy of 19 and 27.

The interior is pleasantly appointed with features like dual-zone climate control, leather seating and USB/iPod connection. Add some options such as the Enform telematics system, voice-activated navigation system and Mark Levinson 14-speaker sound system  and you’ll really be riding in style.

However, unless you’re very tiny, make sure you’re riding up front; the back seats have almost no room.

One neat feature about the IS 250c is the anti-glare gauges that still allow you to see their information displays even when the top is down and direct sunlight is beaming down.

Also, the climate and audio systems adjust automatically when the top is down.

The IS 250c is priced at around $44,000.

For an enjoyable, top-down ride with nice luxury touches, the IS 250c is a fine choice.

Buick Announces Technology Features

Buick has announced that most of its 2015 models will come standard with a built in Wi-Fi hotspot, powered by its OnStar telematics system, with 4G LTE. The move is a nod to the increasing levels of technology and connectivity found in automobiles today.  Buick also said that each 2015 model will come standard with Apple Siri Eyes Free and text message alerts.

2014 Lexus LS 460: Big Time Elegance, Power and Technology

Large luxury sedans today usually deliver some impressive combination of elegance, power and technology. This is certainly true of the 2014 Lexus LS 460.

While there are a lot of great cars on the market today at all price points, the rich experience of getting behind the wheel of something like the LS is hard to match.

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Three Great Summer Road Trip Vehicles

There's a summer holiday weekend coming up, so why not take a road trip? We selected three great vehicles that we recently tested that would do well in taking you, your crew and everyone's gear on the highway. We like these vehicles for their roominess, comfort and fuel economy.
Happy and safe travels.

TOYOTA HIGHLANDER

With seating for up to eight passengers, you can take your whole crew. The 2014 model was redesigned and now offers passenger and cargo room. Fuel economy is not bad for a vehicle of this size, at 18 mpg city, 24 highway.

KIA SORENTO

Last year, this model got a significant makeover, with the new style carrying forth this year. This crossover seats up to seven, and offers better comfort and steering than the previous model. It gets good gas mileage.

CHEVROLET EQUINOX

You can get this model with a four-cylinder or six-cylinder engine, and if you take the four banger, you can get up to 32 mpg on the highway. It seats five, and is a top safety pick of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.