Birmingham Parent November 2011 : Page 12MOM MOBILE continued Volvo XC90 WHAT I LIKE: Volvo’s continued commitment to safety, this sporty SUV handles the road extremely well especially in adverse weather. WHAT’S NEW: Several features have been upgraded and/or redesigned to offer more character and luxury. New Day Running Lights, redesigned silver metallic bumper bar, new lower door moldings which are fully color-coordinated, new tail lamps with dual light guides, LED brake lights, and new six-spoke 18-inch wheels in silver matte finish. Inside materials have had an upgrade and the steering wheel is three-spoke. A new Executive version is available with elevated upscale features such as soft leather seats with ventilation and massage. Favorite new feature: Volvo On Call – mobile app that allows cool things like car locator, remote heater start, vehicle dashboard (fuel level, range to empty, average fuel, average speed, odometer reading, trip meter reading), and car check (bulbs, brake fluid level, cool-ant level, engine oil level and oil pressure). BASE PRICE: $38,400 FUEL ECONOMY: 16/23 CLASSIFICATION: SUV Kia Sedona WHAT I LIKE: Kia Sedona is a four time recipient of the “Top Safety Pick” award and proclaimed the “safest minivan ever tested” by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Kia offers an industry-leading 10-year, 100,000 mile war-ranty and is comparable to the Honda Odyssey in amenities and use of space. WHAT’S NEW: LX models will add an available rear seat entertainment system and electrochromatic rearview mirror. BASE PRICE: $24,900 FUEL ECONOMY: 18/25 CLASSIFICATION: Minivan Mazda 5 WHAT I LIKE: An affordable family vehicle that seats six with the third row, a V6 engine that supports a vehicle of this size, and the sporty exterior design all draw folks to this vehicle. Safety ratings are good and fuel economy is of an affordable range for families that are on the road a lot. It handles well and is very easy to park and maneuver given that it is not a full-size minivan. WHAT’S NEW: All new for 2012, the three-row Mazda5 brings Nagare design to the multipurpose vehicle segment. The Japanese term nagare means flow, and that’s how Mazda describes the styling of the 2012 Mazda5. Up front it greets with an iconic Mazda appearance and the flanks are set off by elegant swooping lines. The backside trades vertical lights for wraparound glass and horizontal lamps…a nice touch. The front seats are a little wider, and there’s a new engine under the hood. BASE PRICE: $19,345 FUEL ECONOMY: 21/28 CLASSIFICATION : Multi-Purpose Vehicle Nissan Quest WHAT I LIKE: The design of the Quest is straightforward, and the gear shift is up on the dashboard freeing up the floor and console space. The feel is comfy, and the ride is gentle yet dependable in traffic. The space is well allocated. The underfloor storage is a hit. WHAT’S NEW: After undergoing quite the makeover last year, there will be little changes to this year’s model. It looks a little more like its sister, the Murano, yet still carries itself as Nissan’s proud minivan. It has all the safety features you expect in-cluding multiple airbags and ABS. The entertainment system is unchanged as well. BASE PRICE: $27,750 FUEL ECONOMY: 18/24 CLASSIFICATION: Minivan Toyota Highlander Hybrid WHAT I LIKE: The exterior design is ruggedly handsome and withstands most off-roading functions. The interior is well-appointed with quality craftsmanship and a full set of amenities. It’s very comfortable, and I would take it on a trip anywhere any time. It’s a roomy mid-size crossover SUV and seats up to seven people. WHAT’S NEW: There are no changes to the 2012 Highlander or Highlander Hybrid. BASE PRICE: $38,140 FUEL ECONOMY: 28/28 CLASSIFICATION: SUV Becky J. Beall is a local freelance writer. 12 | birmingham parent | november 2011 Publication List Using a screen reader? Click Here |
