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Test Drive: 2008 BMW 1 Series 135i Convertible Design/Fit and Finish We’ve already touched on the 1 Series’ strange styling, so we won’t belabor the point. Inside, it’s much more attractive. Our 2008 BMW 135i sported the optional leather seats, done up in Coral Red as part of the distinctive red and black two-tone interior color scheme. Along with real wood trim, this imbued the cabin with a suitably upscale ambience for a $40,000-plus car. Build quality was tight with the exception of the wood strip over the center stack, which had a slight gap behind it.
Aston Martin DBS Comfort Despite its low-slung roof line, the DBS provides impressive headroom, even for a 6-foot-3 driver, and good visibility on par with that offered by an Audi TT. Legroom is also impressive, with the eight-way power driver seat providing a wide range of adjustment. Sadly, the passenger seat does not adjust for height, which can make it difficult to find a comfortable position.
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Volkswagen CC VR6 4Motion Performance The 2009 VW CC VR6 4Motion is powered by a narrow-angle 3.6-liter V6, which produces 280 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque. A wonderfully smooth six-speed automatic is the lone transmission choice and includes a Sport mode and paddle shifters for manual gearchanges that are accomplished with reasonable quickness. The 4Motion bit refers to the CC’s optional all-wheel-drive system that’s only available with the VR6 engine. Even with the heavy 4Motion components, our CC test car went from zero to 60 mph in 6.3 seconds during performance testing — about the same as a BMW 328i. No surprise that it feels plenty strong around town and on the highway.
Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid A two-mode hybrid (meaning it can run on electric power, gas or both combined), the Tahoe Hybrid also features a unique two-mode transmission. When in electric or electric-gas propulsion mode, the abundance of torque output allows it to utilize a two-speed unit that makes for fewer gearchanges and thus more seamless acceleration. When just the gas engine is employed, a more robust, conventional four-speed automatic comes into play. This combination allows the four-wheel-drive Tahoe Hybrid to offer refined, shudder-free performance as well as (in the 4WD version) a low gear for slippery, low-speed conditions. The latter is unique among the few hybrid SUVs on the market.
Jaguar XF Supercharge: Folks love big wheels, but the XF’s standard 20-inch rims have got to go. There was universal agreement among the staff that they were not only ugly but also ruined the ride. The suspension is clearly well tuned to achieve an excellent balance between ride and handling, which is evident over pristine pavement. But over gnarled asphalt and concrete, the ride becomes busy and the XF crashes over bumps. Luckily the big wheels don’t seem to boost road noise in the otherwise coffin-quiet Jaguar.
Audi A4 3.2 Quattro Comfort The cabin of the 2009 Audi A4 successfully combines both sporty and luxurious attributes. The meaty steering wheel is easy to handle and adds to the sporty feel, yet it isn’t too bulky. The front sport seats offer plenty of support, and extra bolsters help during cornering. The range of adjustability of the driver seat, however, leaves something to be desired — it goes just far enough forward for a 5-foot-4 female to comfortably reach the pedals. Tall folks didn’t find much to complain about, though. Legroom is plentiful in both front and rear seats, and there is ample headroom.
BMW 1 Series 135i Convertible Some of us on staff remember the time when BMWs were austere in design and driven by real enthusiasts who appreciated a sprightly, agile and communicative car. Guys and gals who’d have the steering wheel in one hand while working the four-speed manual with the other. Today’s Bimmers are still great cars, but some feel that the quintessential sport compact, the 3 Series, has gotten too big, too loaded up with gizmos and too likely to be driven by those who care more about the badge on the hood than the car’s sporting capabilities. You know who we’re talking about — Ultimate Driving Machine “drivers” who’ve got a Starbucks in one hand while working a Blackberry with the other.
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