2016 Jeep Renegade: Traditional Jeep Virtues in a Small SUV [Review]

By

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February 20, 2016

The first subcompact SUV from Jeep was designed in America but suited to meet customer needs in more than 100 countries. Built in Italy and based on the Fiat 500L, the 2016 Jeep Renegade won’t disappoint Jeep fans.

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) says the Renegade is its first vehicle to use its new “small-wide 4×4 architecture.”

The Renegade (can you think of a better name for a Jeep?) is helping keep FCA in the black and appropriately joins the long Jeep line, which consists of the Grand Cherokee, Grand Cherokee SRT®, Compass, Patriot, Wrangler, and Wrangler Unlimited.

There are seven new exterior colors. Some call the Renegade “cute,” although there’s no mistaking it for anything but a Jeep, thanks largely to the traditional Jeep grille.

Driving it is much like driving a nimble car, although a driver sits higher than in a car. It’s easy to dart in and out of traffic or to squeeze into a tight parking spot.

The Renegade comes with front-drive or with two all-new four-wheel drive (4WD) systems. It’s offered in Sport, Latitude, Limited and Trailhawk models with either a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 160 horsepower or a 2.4-liter 180-horsepower four-cylinder.

I found that the 2.4L provides good passing on highways and quick entrances into fast freeway traffic. I didn’t test the Renegade 1.4L turbo, but it has more torque (184 pound-feet) than the 2.4 (175 pound-feet). The 1.4L’s turbo boost pressure is said to provide a broad torque curve for a variety of conditions.

Towing capability with the 2.4L and tow package is up to 2,000 pounds.

The 1.4L engine comes with a 6-speed manual transmission, while the 2.4 is hooked to a new, responsive 9-speed automatic.

List prices range from $17,995 to $26,995. I tested the top-line Limited with the 2.4L engine, 4WD and the automatic transmission, which has an easily used manual shift feature via the console gear selector.

Limited standard features include heated front seats and steering wheel, power driver’s seat, automatic headlights and rain-sensing wipers.

Estimated highway fuel economy is a strong point of all Renegades, although they top 3,000 pounds. City economy ranges from 21-24 miles per gallon, while all get 31 mpg on the highway — except for the 2.4L with the automatic and 4WD. That combination provides an estimated 29 mpg on highways — and 21 mpg in the city.

The 1.4L turbo engine calls for premium gasoline, but the larger 2.4L four-cylinder only needs regular-grade fuel.

New features for 2016 include a Beats premium audio system, rain-sensing wipers, Uconnect Access, Uconnect touchscreen radios, and the segment’s largest full-color instrument cluster.

There are up to 70 available safety and security features, including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-path detection, ParkView rear backup camera, electronic stability control, electronic roll mitigation and seven standard air bags.

It takes extra effort to enter the Renegade because of its high floor. Its boxy shape allows comfortable seating for four adults, although legroom is tight for a tall passenger behind a tall driver. The stiff center of the backseat is best occupied by a fold-down armrest that contains two cupholders.

Two available lightweight honeycomb fiberglass polyurethane roof panels provide an open-air experience and can be easily stowed.

Cargo capacity is moderate with the rear seat in its normal position but flipping the split rear seatbacks forward significantly enlarges it.

Front seats are supportive in curves, and the quiet, nicely trimmed interior looks snazzy. There is a fair amount of plastic, but it doesn’t look cheap.

Climate controls are large, although front cupholders are set rather low in the console. Front door storage bins aren’t large and rear ones are just for beverage containers. But there’s a deep storage bin with a cover under the sliding front armrest.

My test Renegade’s backlit gauges could be quickly read in sunlight, and the touchscreen was easy to use. The power rear windows roll all the way down, although the position of power window controls in the driver’s door occasionally caused me to mistakenly lower the back windows instead of the front ones.

Steering with the tilt/telescopic wheel was nicely geared for on- and off-road use, and handling around curves was stable, thanks to such things as a well-designed fully independent suspension, electronic stability control, electronic roll mitigation, all-speed traction control and 55-series tires on 18-inch aluminum wheels.

The brake pedal had a linear action and controlled four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes with good stopping power.

However, the Limited’s ride got bouncy on certain freeway pavement, partly because of the Renegade’s fairly short wheelbase.

2016 Jeep Renegade Latitude and Trailhawk Models

The Trailhawk version is for those who want to do some serious off-road driving. Its items include a 20:1 crawl ratio, exclusive ‘rock’ mode, increased ride height for 8.7 inches of ground clearance, skid plates, 17-inch wheels with on- and off-road tires and up to 19 inches of water fording capability.

I don’t recommend the Trailhawk for folks who aren’t into tough off-road use because it’s not as on-road friendly as other Renegade versions.

It seems that Fiat Chrysler now has all its Jeep bases covered with the Renegade. However, a Jeep pickup truck may not be too far off.

On the TFLcar scale of:
Buy it!
Lease it!
Rent it!
… or Forget it!

I give the 2016 Jeep Renegade a ‘Buy it!‘ rating given its handy size, secure handling, strong fuel economy, and roomy cargo area with the rear seatbacks folded. Some minor dings for its high step-up height, occasional bouncy ride, and limited cargo area when the rear seatbacks are upright.

Watch the Jeep Renegade Trailhawk tackle a challenging off-road course on this episode of TFLcar Ruts & Guts. Can Nathan negotiate the steep declines, large rocks, and logs without getting stuck?

Read more of Dan’s reviews at DanJedlicka.com

2016 Audi A3 Sportback e-tron: A Plug-in Hybrid with a German Twist [Review]

By

Alex Kramer

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February 19, 2016

2016 Audi A3 Sportback e-tron (not factory color)

The Audi A3 Sportback e-tron has arrived just in the nick of time. With the diesel emissions scandal still looming overhead, Audi finally has an electric car that will hopefully convince more eco-conscious buyers to stay with the brand.

Although Audi has already featured several models with a hybrid powertrain, the A3 e-tron is the first EV to wear an Audi badge that can also be recharged by plugging in. The electric-only range is rather short at just 16-17 miles, but Audi managed to squeeze the battery and other hardware into the A3 without sacrificing any interior room or other functionality.

Like most hybrids, the A3 e-tron uses both an internal combustion engine and an electric motor, although this powertrain doesn’t sacrifice performance to the degree that most hybrids do. The gas engine is a 1.4 L turbocharged 4-cylinder that makes a healthy 150 horsepower and 184 lb-ft torque, which is paired with a 75-kilowatt electric motor that is sandwiched between the ICE and an S-Tronic 6-speed dual clutch transmission.

By itself, the electric motor makes 102 horsepower and 243 lb-ft torque, which is enough to move the car quite briskly. Combine the gas and electric motors, and total power output jumps to 204 horsepower and 258 lb-ft torque — the result is a surprisingly satisfying amount of acceleration. Put your right foot to the floor and the A3 e-tron will easily squeal its front tires, as well as leave most other hybrids in the dust.

To help maximize both performance and efficiency, there are four drive modes: EV, Hybrid, Hold Battery, and Charge Battery. In EV mode, the A3 e-tron relies on the electric motor until the 8.8 kilowatt-hour battery is depleted. In Hybrid mode, the computer handles the task of blending gas and electric propulsion for best efficiency. Hold Battery prioritizes the gas engine while keeping the battery at its current state of charge, and Charge Battery uses the gas engine as a generator to recharge the battery.

Altogether it all works quite well, although the system could still use some fine-tuning. The accelerator is strangely non-linear, in that it takes quite a bit of pedal travel for things to get going, but then past a certain point, it comes on quite strong. This is less of an issue in EV mode, but when the engine and electric motor are asked to work together it seems rather unrefined.

Out on the road, the A3 e-tron is definitely more fun to drive than most hybrids. The car takes advantage of the excellent chassis it shares with the regular A3 and VW Golf, but the extra weight of the hybrid powertrain robs the car of the more playful, nimble attitude of its siblings. The A3 e-tron also offers Audi’s Drive Select feature, although it only seems to govern steering feel, which firms up a bit in Dynamic mode.

The Sportback design, which for now is unique to the A3 e-tron, makes for an athletic appearance while also offering some additional practicality. Unfortunately, the interior is quite compact, especially for rear seat passengers, and cargo space is also less than ample. Interior quality is up to Audi’s high standards, for the most part, but there are a few glaring ergonomic issues. There is a rather large hunk of hard plastic right where you would typically lean your right leg while driving; for any extended drive, this literally becomes a big pain in the leg.

The A3 Sportback e-tron starts at $38,825, which is quite reasonable given the level of technology, although the price easily goes up if you start selecting options. A well-equipped A3 e-tron starts to approach $50k very quickly, which is a bit steep for a compact car, even given the high-tech powertrain. The new Chevy Volt has almost three times the electric range and costs thousands less.

On the TFLcar scale of:
Buy it!
Lease it!
Rent it!
… or Forget it!

Although the A3 e-tron is a solid product, the limited electric range, lack of powertrain refinement, and relatively high cost means we can only give it a ‘Lease it!‘ recommendation. Hopefully, with some tweaking to the powertrain, the A3 e-tron will become a more competitive product, and help propel Audi forward on the path to creating truly compelling alternative fuel vehicles.

Find out what makes this 2016 Audi A3 Sportback e-tron unique in this TFLcar ‘Everything You Ever Wanted to Know’ video.

2016 Audi A3 Sportback e-tron Specs:

Base price	$37,900
Price as tested	$42,925
Powertrain	1.4L direct-injection turbocharged gasoline four cylinder, 75kW electric motor
Engine	1.4-liter, DOHC, 16-valve TFSI – turbocharged four-cylinder with Direct Injection
Power	150 @ 5,000-6,000 rpm
Torque	184 @ 1,600-3,500 rpm
Electric system power	Permanent magnet electric motor – 8.8-kWh, liquid-cooled Lithium-ion
Power	102 bhp (75 kW)
Torque	243 lb-ft (330 Nm)
Transmission	6-speed S-tronic
Drivetrain layout	Transversely mounted front engine / front-wheel drive (FWD)
Total system output	204 hp, 258 lb-ft torque
Curb weight	3,616 lbs
Acceleration 0-60 mph	7.6 sec (manufacturer estimate)
Battery electric range	16 miles
Manufacturer estimated fuel economy (city/hwy/combined mpg)	33/37/35
Manufacturer estimated ultra MPGe (combined city/highway)	83 MPGe
Combined range (gas-electric)	Approximately 400 miles
Recharge time (L2 – 220V)	2.25 hours

2016 Audi A3 Sportback e-tron front seats

2016 Audi A3 Sportback e-tron back seats

Top 5 Surprising Car Myths Exposed [Video]

By

Derek Mau

-

February 19, 2016

When it comes to car maintenance and ownership, there are a lot of myths circulating that are just plain wrong. And a lot of them have been passed down for generations — precious wisdom passed down to us by our forefathers to help prevent the expensive repairs. With today’s modern cars, many of these rules are seriously outdated, and often a waste of money.

To help save you money and become a better car owner, here are TFLcar’s top 5 car myths that are commonly believed to be true.

Myth #5 – Change the oil every 3,000 miles

Myth #4 – Your car needs a new set of tires, but you can only afford two tires. The new tires should be put on the front for the best traction.

Myth #3 – Before the first start of the day, you should start your car and let it warm up slowly by idling it for five minutes before driving off.

Myth #2 – To save fuel on a warm day, switch the AC off and lower the windows to cool the car when driving.

Myth #1 – Using the transmission to slow your speed on a downhill descent is more efficient and offers better speed control than using the brakes.

Volvo Reveals New V90 Luxury Wagon [Photo Gallery]

By

John Inama

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February 19, 2016

Volvo revealed the all-new 2017 V90 luxury wagon today, the latest from the company’s top-of-the-line 90 series vehicles.

The V90 uses the same architecture as the XC90 SUV and S90 sedan. Called Scalable Product Architecture (SPA), it allows Volvo to create different types of vehicles from a common platform.

Under the hood, the V90 is available with a choice of engines. The T5 has a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder making 254 horsepower. Next up the line is the T6, which has the same 2.0-liter engine but it adds a supercharger to go with the turbo to bump power to 320 horsepower.

The top-level T8 AWD comes with Volvo’s hybrid powertrain that mates the engine from the T6 with an electric motor at the rear. Combined, they put out 407 horsepower and 640 Nm (472 lb-ft) of torque. The system can operate in pure-electric mode for around 30 miles (50 km).

The V90 is also available with two diesel engines — both 2.0-liter twin-turbocharged four-cylinders with the same bore and stroke measurements as the gasoline engines. Volvo didn’t specify whether or not the diesel-powered V90s are destined for U.S. shores.

Volvos have always been known for safety, and the V90 comes with the company’s litany of safety features like large animal detection and lane keeping. It also has a semi-autonomous driving system called Pilot Assist. It essentially adds steering control to the adaptive cruise control to allow for autonomous driving in stop-and-go situations. It can also operate up to speeds of 80 mph to help with long trips. The system shuts off if the driver doesn’t keep a hand on the wheel.

The V90 is expected to arrive in the U.S. in 2017. Pricing hasn’t been announced.

Check out this snowy off-road review of the V90’s cousin, the 2016 XC90 SUV in this TFLcar video:

Volvo V90 and a historical line-up of Volvo estate models

Scalable Product Architecture

2016 smart fortwo Test Drive: Have it Your Way [Review]

By

Arv Voss

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February 18, 2016

The smart car finally came to North America after what seemed like an eternity, having already sold more than 770,000 first generation (1998-2006) vehicles in 36 countries globally. The U.S. became the 37th country to offer the smart for sale, with the U.S. version designed specifically for two people, and called smart fortwo, which has now grown to 46 countries. The diminutive vehicle is made in France and is truly of Lilliputian proportions. It was only 8.8 feet long, 5.1 feet high, with an equal measurement in width. It tips the scales at 1,852 pounds in the heaviest model.

The smart fortwo is most commonly referred to as “cute”, though I normally avoid describing any vehicle as such. There are those who irreverently refer to it as a “clown car”, while suggesting wearing large red bulb noses when onboard. smart fortwo displays a futuristic Jetson-like styling, and despite its reduced dimensions, is surprisingly big on interior space along with comfort and features. It is definitive proof that good things really can come in small packages. The first impression registers as sporty as well as cute.

The innovative two-material construction concept consists of a tridion safety-cell that is crafted from high-strength steel and colorful, interchangeable body panels made of premium, dent-resistant plastic. Projection headlamps with indicators incorporated into them add to the little car’s futuristic look. The front, which appears as if it might house the engine, does not. Nor does it provide trunk space. Storage for one’s personal gear is behind the seats.

All rear-wheel drive smart fortwo models, except the electric drive version, were originally powered by a 1.0-liter, transversely-rear-mounted motor that connected to a five-speed automated manual transmission ahead of the engine. The motor generated 70 horsepower and 68 lb-ft of torque, and was capable of propelling the car to an electronically limited top speed of 90 mph, or from 0-60 mph in 12.8 seconds. It’s not a dragster folks.

There are now four levels of trim for smart fortwo: pure which starts at $14,650; passion – starting at $16,140; prime – beginning at $17,490; and the top of the line proxy, with a starting price of $18,480. Add $750 for delivery and destination charge for all trims.

I’ve driven all examples of the smart fortwo – coupe and cabriolet, gasoline and electric-powered. My latest test vehicle was a smart fortwo pure coupe, powered by a 0.9-liter (999 cc) DOHC, 12-valve, turbocharged inline three-cylinder engine with electronic fuel injection coupled to a six -speed automated dual-clutch manual, single gear transmission with steering wheel mounted paddle shifters. The new engine produces 89 horsepower at 5,800 rpm along with 100 lb-ft of torque at 4,500 rpm.

Its exterior was sprayed in deep gloss black, with the interior done in black as well. The base price was set at $14,650, while the final total came to $19,830 after adding for the optional 6-speed automated dual clutch transmission, P11 Prime equipment group, Sport package with Sport suspension, 16-inch alloy wheels and paddle shifters, and the destination charge. Each trim level adds progressively more features and equipment.

SUMMARY: The smart fortwo has a lot of positive attributes -– it is visually appealing to most observers, it’s economical (with an EPA estimated 34 mpg city and 39 mpg highway), it’s fun to drive, and it fits easily into minimal parking spaces (two will fit into a conventional parking space). Acceleration is not blistering, but the new 6-speed automatic is much smoother than the earlier automated manual transmissions, without the bothersome lag between gear changes. At maximum freeway speed, crosswinds can present cause for concern due to the car’s squared profile and short wheelbase.

The interior space and amenities are surprisingly plentiful and user-friendly, and the ride quality is compliant enough, but potholes should be avoided when possible. The handling characteristics are responsive and positive. Parking, though requiring less space as mentioned earlier, requires closer attention, because the exterior planes are difficult to judge, lacking outward reference points.

Safety concerns are generally a major consideration given the size and construction, but after viewing some crash and roll-over test footage, smart fortwo came through the documented tests with flying colors, bolstering enough confidence to entertain purchasing one personally. Kudos for the playful, futuristic appearance and appeal and the surprising amount of functional interior space. The gasoline powered smart fortwo in pure coupe configuration is less than half the price of the electric drive version, making gas the logical choice.

The 2016 smart fortwo is now longer, has a wider track, but with a reduced turning circle (22.8 ft from curb to curb and 24 ft from wall to wall), and is driven by a smaller engine that produces more power and torque — and it’s faster. Design-wise, there’s a new pronounced shoulder line and the twin section tailgate is a highly popular feature.

In the final analysis, the smart fortwo delivers on fun, practicality, fun, economy and once inside, one forgets how petite it really is, as it feels exceptionally roomy., not to mention more comfortable than earlier examples. Oh, and it’s quite versatile and FUN-ctional.

On the TFLcar scale of:
Buy it!
Lease it!
Rent it!
… or Forget it!

I give the 2016 smart fortwo pure coupe a ‘Buy It!‘ if you’re looking for an extremely diminutive subcompact.

	2016 smart fortwo pure coupe specs
Base Price	$14,650
Price as Tested	$19,830
Engine	0.9L (999 cc) DOHC, 12-valve, turbocharged I-3
Power	89 @ 5,800 rpm
Torque	100 @ 4,500 rpm
Transmission	6-speed twinamic automated dual-clutch manual, single gear w/steering mounted shifters
Drivetrain Layout	Transversely-mounted rear engine / rear-wheel drive
Wheelbase	73.74 inches
Curb Weight	1,808 lbs
EPA-estimated fuel economy	34 mpg / 39 mpg (city/hwy)
Acceleration 0-60 mph	12.8 seconds
Top speed	96 mph

One fact about the 2016 smart fortwo is that it’s based on the European Renault Twingo. In this TFLcar video, we find out everything you ever wanted to know about the new 2016 smart fortwo.

Arv Voss is a Northern California based freelance motoring Journalist and member and past officer of several noted Automotive Journalist organizations who contributes regularly to a number of national and international media outlets. He reviews not only cars, trucks and SUVs, but motorcycles as well.

2017 Chevrolet Bolt vs 2016 Nissan Leaf EV Mashup Review: An Electric Rivalry is Born [Video]

By

Derek Mau

-

February 17, 2016

Chevrolet is aiming to step up the excitement and driving experience with their latest EV, the all-new Bolt. Too often affordable electric vehicles are often equated to ‘boring’ and uninspired driving dynamics because of their emphasis on efficiency. And today’s object of opposition in TFLcar’s ‘mashup’ review fits that description to a ‘T’ — the 2016 Nissan Leaf.

“Being the leader in range and affordability means nothing if the car isn’t going to excite you each time you get behind the wheel,” said Josh Tavel, Chevrolet Bolt EV chief engineer. “That’s why the team was tasked with delivering a propulsion system that would also make the Bolt EV an electric vehicle that owners would love to drive.”

Delivering on its promise of a long-range electric vehicle for an affordable price, Chevy claims the Bolt EV can travel more than 200 miles on a single charge using a 60 kWh battery system. That is leaps and bounds ahead of the Ford Focus Electric, BMW i3, VW e-Golf, and the Nissan Leaf. The electric motor is rated at 200 horsepower (150 kW) and 266 lb-ft (360 Nm) of torque.

The Nissan Leaf has been around the block a few times and is well established in the EV world. Now the jelly bean shaped Leaf SV and SL trims come equipped with a 30 kWh battery, giving the Leaf 107 miles of EPA-estimated range. Nissan is also backing up their battery with a new 8 year/100,000 mile battery warranty. What’s also new for 2016 is the SV trim, along with the SL, include standard quick charging with DC fast chargers (DCFC).

In today’s ‘mashup’ review, Roman and Nathan test drive the 2016 Nissan Leaf and compare it to the drive experience of the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt.

Details of New Jaguar F-TYPE SVR Released Ahead of its Geneva Debut [Photo Gallery]

By

Derek Mau

-

February 17, 2016

The Jaguar Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations (SVO) division developed the company’s lightest, quickest, most powerful F-TYPE with functional enhancements to the chassis, driveline, and aerodynamics.

Developed to exploit the lightweight aluminum sports car’s full potential — and up to 110 pounds lighter when fitted with options that include the CCM brake system, carbon fiber roof panel and carbon fiber pack — the Jaguar F-TYPE SVR will sprint to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds and, in coupe trim, joins an elite club of cars capable of accelerating to 200 mph. Making this possible is a supercharged 5.0-liter V8 that develops 575 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque, and enhanced aerodynamics that reduce lift and drag.

Enlarged air intakes in the front bumper, together with revised charge air coolers and redesigned hood vents, deliver corresponding improvements in cooling system performance and powertrain efficiency.

A new lightweight Inconel titanium exhaust system reduces backpressure and eliminates 35 pounds of mass from the vehicle. In addition to titanium’s inherent lightness over stainless steel, the exhaust system in the SVR features a unique split muffler design — opposed to a single box in the F-TYPE R – which further reduces weight and facilitates the design of the rear under-tray for enhanced aerodynamic performance.

Tucked under the sculpted wheel wells are 265- and 305-section front and rear tires (10mm wider than the F-TYPE R) that optimize the all-wheel drive system’s Intelligent Driveline Dynamics (IDD) control technology. The upgraded chassis of the F-TYPE SVR features new dampers, anti-roll bars, lightweight 20-inch forged wheels, and new, stiffer rear knuckles.

Jaguar has opened its books for customers who want to order the 2017 F-TYPE SVR ahead of the global auto show debut at the Geneva Motor Show, March 1. Prices start from $125,950 for the Coupe and $128,800 for the Convertible. Deliveries of the F-TYPE SVR will begin from Summer 2016.

2017 Jaguar F-TYPE SVR Coupe 20-inch wheels

The Ford Mustang GT and the Jaguar F-TYPE don’t compete head-to-head, but they both aspire to be great sports cars in their own unique way. Watch this TFLcar ‘mashup’ video to find out which one is faster around a track and in a straight up drag race.

2017 Jaguar F-TYPE SVR Convertible and Coupe

2017 Jaguar F-TYPE SVR Convertible interior

2017 Jaguar F-TYPE SVR 20-inch forged alloy wheels

2016 MINI Cooper S Convertible First Drive [Review]

By

Derek Mau

-

February 16, 2016

The new 2016 MINI Convertible has been redesigned on the same platform as the 2014 hardtop model, but retains its British charm and go-kart handling. Available in Cooper, Cooper S, and John Cooper Works (JCW) models, the new MINI convertible delivers a rewarding drive experience and day-to-day usability. Even with the soft-top tucked away in the boot, it still has some space for luggage — 25% more than the previous model if you’re curious.

Most people who buy a ragtop do so for open-air fun, and will most likely choose the 189 horsepower Cooper S variant. The base Cooper model is equipped with a 1.5-liter TwinPower turbocharged inline 3-cylinder engine rated at 134 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque. Owners can choose between a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic. With a 0-60 mph time of 8.2 seconds (AT), the new Cooper Convertible needs some room to get up to freeway speeds. The 2.0-liter TwinPower turbocharged 4-banger in the Cooper S has 207 lb-ft of torque and accelerates smoothly and confidently up to its redline before swiftly shifting to the next gear.

If you opt for the adaptive dampers and select ‘Sport’ mode, it’s especially anxious to engage in unlawful behavior. The ride is stiffer than in ‘Normal’ mode, the throttle is sharper, and the steering takes on more weight. It could relay a bit more feedback as the added resistance –achieved with the help of an electrically assisted rack — takes away a little feel.

When you’re being a model citizen in ‘Normal’ mode, you’ll notice the new MINI Convertible is a better cruiser and more relaxed when cruising around town. The Cooper S engine sounds are snarly and there is a steady spread of power. It’s a decently sorted little convertible. Perhaps not as much of a canyon carver as it once was, but that is the inevitable price of its growing maturity.

From the driver’s seat, the speedometer is augmented with a head-up display that can show speed, navigation directions, collision warning signals, telephone lists, radio stations, and track titles. Centered in the middle of the dash is a large, circular infotainment screen framed by a ring of glowing lights. Located down low between the front seats is BMW’s iDrive wheel, which controls the infotainment stuff.

The back seats can accommodate passengers when the foldable, lightweight windscreen isn’t in place, but legroom is really tight. The rear panel drops to access the trunk, which has a mere 7.6 cubic feet when the top is closed and less space when open (5.7 cubic feet). MINI engineers came up with a clever storage system for the top and carved an extra 25 percent more space over the previous convertible model. Bigger objects can be fitted by dropping the backrests of the rear seats.

The Cooper Convertible, which has a healthy list of standard features, starts at $25,950. Once it’s loaded with options — e.g. heated seats, 410-watt Harmon/Kardon sound system, full LED headlights, adaptive dampers — they add up to a pretty penny. This isn’t to say they’re not worth it, just be wary that MINI is still an expensive small car.

The 2016 MINI Cooper S Convertible is all new and ready for some wind in the hair and fun in the sun as Nathan found out in this TFLcar everything you ever wanted to know video from the LA Auto Show.

2016 MINI Convertible Specs and Pricing:

	MINI Cooper Convertible		MINI Cooper S Convertible		MINI John Cooper Works Convertible
MSRP	$25,950		$29,600		$35,600
Engine	1.5L TwinPower turbocharged I-3		2.0L TwinPower turbocharged I-4		2.0L TwinPower turbocharged I-4
Power	134 hp @ 4400 rpm		189 hp @ 5000 rpm		228 hp @ 5200 rpm
Torque	162 lb-ft @ 1250-4000 rpm		207 lb-ft @ 1250-4000 rpm		237 lb-ft @1250-4800 rpm
Transmissions	6-speed automatic	6-speed manual	6-speed automatic	6-speed manual	6-speed automatic	6-speed manual
Acceleration 0-60 mph	8.2 sec (AT)	8.3 sec (MT)	6.7 sec (AT)	6.8 sec (MT)	6.3 sec (AT)	6.4 sec (MT)
Top speed	128 mph	128 mph	142 mph	143 mph	149 mph	150 mph
Drivetrain layout	front-wheel drive
Curb weight	2905 lbs	2855 lbs	3025 lbs	2985 lbs	3065 lbs	3035 lbs