A REVIEW: The 2018 FIAT 500X Is Cool And Has Character

By Darlene Donloe

THE CAR: 2018 FIAT 500X

The cute quotient on the 2018 FIAT 500X in grigio graphite with a black interior is through the roof! All you can say about this mini-car is that it is adorbs and has a lot of character!

Don’t get me wrong, this is NOT a girly car. I repeat this is NOT a girly car. Why do people consider this a girly car? Ok, yes it’s a bit girly, but anyone can drive this car and still have their masculinity intact.

If you have to get from point A to point B, you may as well do it in style. Do it in a 2018 Fiat 500X.  The car attracts attention on the road.  Don’t look too hard, though, because Fiat will probably redesign this car soon.

The interior is nice, including the seats, which are comfortable.  The gauges are upgraded. The window controls on the center panel are easy to reach. Believe it or not, there is a backseat.  At 5’ 10”, there is no way I could get back there!

This car is hella cool!  It’s sporty, looks good and handles well! 

VEHICLE AT A GLANCE: Advanced Multistage front airbags, supplemental front seat side airbags, child seat anchor system – LATCH ready, speed control, keyless entry, electric park brake, 4-wheel anti-lock brakes, air conditioning, Cluster 3.5-inch TFT black and white display, electronic roll mitigation, electronic stability control, security alarm, tire pressure monitoring display, rear window defroster, rear window wiper/washer, hill start assist, Apple CarPlay capable, Google Android Auto capable, integrated voice command with Bluetooth 6-speakers, tilt/telescope steering column, manual 6-way driver/passenger seats,, front passenger forward fold flat seat, rear 60/40 folding seat, 12-volt auxiliary power outlet, rearview day/night mirror, sun visors with vanity mirror, Uconnec4 with 7-inch display, power mirrors, exterior mirrors with heating element exterior mirrors with turn signals, bright door handles, bright exhaust tip, capless fuel filler.

MSRP: $25,725

FUEL ECONOMY: 25/30

THE DRIVE: Yassssss!

Pricing Announced For Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe

Atlanta – Mercedes-Benz USA today announced pricing for the V8 variants of the highly anticipated new Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe. The Mercedes- AMG GT 63, powered by a handcrafted AMG 4.0-liter V8 biturbo that produces 577 hp and 590 lb-ft peak torque, starts at $136,500. The more powerful Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S produces 630 hp and 664 lb-ft peak torque and starts at $159,000. Additional standard equipment for the GT 63 S includes the AMG Performance Exhaust System, the AMG Dynamic Plus Package including Active Engine Mounts, RACE Mode, Drift Mode, and AMG Drive Unit steering wheel controls. The Mercedes-AMG GT 63 and Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S will arrive in U.S. dealers in the first half of 2019. Pricing for the GT 53 variant will be announced at a later date.

A REVIEW: Chevrolet's 2018 Bolt EV Premier

By Darlene Donloe

THE CAR: 2018 Bolt EV Premier

When it comes to electric cars, GM has been a leader in modern electric vehicles. This review is on the 2018 Bolt EV Premier. I drove the premier trim, which is the more expensive of the two that Chevrolet offers.  There is also the LT version.  Chevy calls the Bolt EV Premier a crossover. OK!

The Bolt is easy and comfortable to drive. It’s also sporty.  The steering is phenomenal. It’s affordable! This is a FUN car.

Ok, to be fair, I didn’t drive 230 miles to see if Chevrolet’s claim that it has a 230-mile range on each charge is true.  I did drive the car with the nightfall gray metallic exterior and dark galvanized sky cool gray car for a week and didn’t have to recharge.

You don’t have to worry about the car stopping on you on the side of the road because there are several energy pages that will tell you how much energy you’re using and how you’re using it.  You can also see how many miles you’ve driven. In short, nothing will creep up on you that could potentially leave you on the side of the road.

The mirrors are black and heated.  The sun visors now extend. The interior is deceiving.  From the outside, it doesn’t look like the Bolt is roomy, but it is.  Legroom: 41.6-inches, Headroom: 39.7-inches. The high-tech interior has an interesting design.  You can get leather seats on the premier and cloth on the LT. The manual seats are adjustable six ways. The sound quality is first rate.  The 10.2 touchscreen is easy to maneuver. The rear seat reminder system is on point.

Recharging a traditional outlet will take some time. Twelve hours of charging will add 30-40 miles.  The 220-volt outlet will add 25 miles an hour. Charging it up overnight is doable.

I drove this car for a week and enjoyed every minute.

VEHICLE AT A GLANCE: Electric engine, 200 hp, 266 lb-ft of torque, MPG:128/110/119, auto climate control, LED headlights, heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated front seats, heated rear outboard seats, surround vision camera, rear park assist, blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert.  10.2- touchscreen, Apple Carplay, electric drive unit, electric parking brake, power steering, electronic precision shift, airbags: frontal and knee for DR. & FRT pass, head curtain and seat-mounted for all outboard seat positions, tire pressure monitor system, StabiliTrak-stability control, system with traction control, brakes 4 wheel, antilock, r when disc, rear camera mirror, daytime running lamps, roof rack, side rails, wheels, 17” ultra-bright machine painted aluminum, keyless open and start, remote vehicle start, seats, leather-appointed, front bucket seats, 6 way manual, driver and pass adjust, driver and front passenger heated seats, heated rear seats, OnStar services capable, 4G LTE WI-FI® hotspot capable, air conditioning, USB ports, false cargo floor.

MSRP: $40, 905 (standard) - $43,510 (total vehicle price)

FUEL ECONOMY: 128/110

THE DRIVE: Pleasant!

Darlene Donloe is a seasoned entertainment and travel journalist whose work has appeared in People, Ebony, Essence, LA Stage Times, LA Watts Times, Black Meetings and Tourism, This Stage, Los Angeles Sentinel, EMMY, The Hollywood Reporter, Billboard, Grammy, BlackVoices.com and more. Contact her via dcdwriter@aol.com

Dodge Charger and Jeep® Wrangler Earn 2019 Awards

• Five years running: America's only four-door muscle car – the 2019 Dodge Charger – wins the ALG Residual Value Award in the Full-size Car segment
• The most capable and recognized vehicle in the world, the 2019 Jeep_® Wrangler, earns an ALG Residual Value Award for the second year in a row in the Off-Road Utility segment
• ALG Residual Value Awards recognize vehicles and brands that stand out from the rest of the market by representing quality, long-term reliability, and strong desirability

For the fifth year in a row, the 2019 Dodge Charger, and for the second year in a row, the 2019 Jeep® Wrangler, each earned a Residual Value Award from ALG, the industry benchmark for residual values and depreciation data.

Continuing its run as the sales leader in the large car segment for the fifth year in a row, the Dodge Charger also continues its streak as the Full-size Car segment winner in ALG Residual Value awards. "As a niche player in the segment, the Dodge Charger offers the best of both worlds with the comfort of a full-size sedan and the power of a muscle car," said Eric Lyman, senior vice president of ALG. 

"High performance offered at an affordable price-point leads Charger to sweep the full-size segment and take home its fifth consecutive Residual Value Award." The next-generation Jeep Wrangler revealed a year ago at the Los Angeles Auto Show, takes home its second ALG Residual Value award in the Off-Road Utility segment. "Jeep has a long and successful history in off-road utilities and the Wrangler combines function and comfort, adding new technology and powertrain offerings. This strong value proposition makes it no surprise to see the Wrangler win the Residual Value Award in the Off-Road Utility segment for the second year in a row," Lyman said.

ALG recognizes 26 vehicles with segment awards, along with two brands representing the mainstream and premium sectors of the industry. This year's awards are based on 2018 model-year vehicles. Award winners are determined through careful study of the competition in each segment, historical vehicle performance, and industry trends. Vehicle quality, production levels relative to demand and pricing and marketing strategies represent key factors that impact ALG's residual value forecasts.

Dodge Charger

Dodge Charger

From the quickest, fastest and most powerful sedan in the world to V-6 efficiency and all-wheel-drive (AWD) capability, the Dodge Charger lineup is designed and engineered to provide the ultimate in high-performance comfort and road-ready confidence as America's only four-door muscle car. Dodge Charger's rear-wheel-drive (RWD) architecture enables a model lineup highlighted by extensive performance-driven powertrains with the latest technology under the hood and behind the wheel – further building on the Dodge brand's promise to deliver American performance machines with world-class power, efficiency, technology, authentic materials, and standout styling. 

Standard on every Dodge Charger model is the innovative TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission. Charger offers a full range of powerful engine options on six distinct models, including the award-winning 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 on Charger SXT, SXT AWD and GT, the legendary 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 on R/T models, the naturally aspirated 392 HEMI V-8 on R/T Scat Pack models and the 707-horsepower 6.2-liter supercharged HEMI SRT Hellcat V-8. 

For 2019, Dodge repositions the lineup to include a new Charger SXT AWD model and a new Charger GT RWD performance V-6 model. Charger GT and R/T models get the performance look and feature standard and receive a full complement of race-bred chassis upgrades. Charger SRT Hellcat and R/T Scat Pack feature standard performance upgrades, including Launch Assist and Line Lock; a new performance grille with dual air inlets; new Launch Control switch on R/T Scat Pack; and Torque Reserve, After-Run Chiller on SRT Hellcat. 

Jeep Wrangler

Jeep Wrangler

Jeep Wrangler continues to deliver class-leading capability and has been completely refined to offer consumers a vehicle truly built for work, play, and for driving every day ... on the road, on the trail, and in any weather condition. The all-new Jeep Wrangler is loaded with advanced technology and connectivity, and boasts a remarkably comfortable interior, improved on-road driving dynamics, unique and authentic styling, new levels of safety and security features, and powertrain options that include the dependable 3.6-liter V-6 engine and an all-new 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine that provides even more performance and fuel efficiency. Jeep Wrangler remains the most capable and recognized vehicle in the world. 

About ALG

Founded in 1964 and headquartered in Santa Monica, California, ALG is an industry authority on automotive residual value projections in both the United States and Canada. By analyzing nearly 2,500 vehicle trims each year to assess residual value, ALG provides auto industry and financial services clients with market industry insights, residual value forecasts, consulting and vehicle portfolio management and risk services. ALG is a wholly-owned subsidiary of TrueCar, Inc., a digital automotive marketplace that provides comprehensive pricing transparency about what other people paid for their cars. ALG has been publishing residual values for all cars, trucks, and SUVs in the U.S. for over 50 years and in Canada since 1981. 

About TrueCar

TrueCar, Inc. (NASDAQ: TRUE), the modern car-buying service, gives consumers transparent insight into what others paid and access to guaranteed savings off MSRP from TrueCar Certified Dealers. TrueCar's network of more than 10,000 trusted Certified Dealers is committed to providing upfront pricing information and a hassle-free buying experience, accessible through www.truecar.com and via the mobile app, for iOS and Android devices. TrueCar also powers car-buying programs for some of the largest U.S. membership and service organizations, including AARP, American Express, AAA, Sam's Club, and USAA. Not all program features are available in all states. TrueCar is headquartered in Santa Monica, California, with offices in San Francisco and Austin, Texas. For more information, go to www.truecar.com. 

About FCA US LLC

FCA US LLC is a North American automaker based in Auburn Hills, Michigan. It designs, manufactures, and sells or distributes vehicles under the Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep®, Ram, FIAT and Alfa Romeo brands, as well as the SRT performance designation. The Company also distributes Mopar and Alfa Romeo parts and accessories. FCA US is building upon the historic foundations of Chrysler Corp., established in 1925 by industry visionary Walter P. Chrysler and Fabbrica Italiana Automobili Torino (F.I.A.T.), founded in Italy in 1899 by pioneering entrepreneurs, including Giovanni Agnelli. FCA US is a member of the Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V. (FCA) family of companies. (NYSE: FCAU/ MTA: FCA).

FCA is an international automotive group listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "FCAU" and on the Mercato Telematico Azionario under the symbol "FCA."

A REVIEW: The 2018 Chevrolet Equinox FWD LT 2.0T

By Darlene Donloe

THE CAR: 2018 Equinox FWD LT 2.0T

There is something to be said about driving a Chevrolet Equinox. You can say it again and again and again, and you’d be right every time.  The ride is exceptional. This SUV rides even better than it looks – and that’s saying something because it looks fantastic.

Considered on the top choices for compact crossovers, this SUV is stylish. It’s so stylish the Equinox makes you look like you have money – even if you don’t. This car is one of my favorites. It’s a joy to drive.

The Equinox was downsized so that it would more along the lines of other compact SUVs like the Toyota Rav4, the Ford Escape, and the Honda CR-V. This SUV has been getting favorable reviews.

VEHICLE AT A GLANCE: Engine, 2 OL TURBO DOHC 4-CYL W/WT, transmission, 9-spd automatic, tire, compact spare, antilock brake system, 4 wheel disc, Stabilitrak-stability control system with traction control, tire pressure monitor (excluding spare tire) airbags, dual-stage, frontal driver and right front pass with passenger sensing system, side-impact, seat mounted, driver and right front passenger, head curtain, SID front and rear outboard seating positions, keyless open, keyless start, theft deterrent system, rear vision camera, teen driver, wheels, 18” aluminum, headlamps, HID, daytime running lamps, LED. Trailering equipment, power ADJ outside mirrors, heated glass, deep-tinted, rear, premium cloth seat trim, seat adjuster, driver 8-way power w/2-way power lumbar seat, rear split-folding, air conditioning, manual, single zone, steering wheel controls, audio/phone, audio system, 6 speaker, 7” diagonal touchscreen, select Bluetooth streaming, Apple carplay capability and Android auto capability provided by Apple and Google available with compatible smartphones, OnStar services, XM radio.

MSRP: $29, 300- $33,735

FUEL ECONOMY: 22/29

THE DRIVE:  It ROCKS!