The motoring press hasn’t had the greatest of relationships with the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. When the sedan debuted, critics slammed the newest generation as a Walmart interpretation of a model many of us had grown up loving. The nicer-than-expected materials, playful handling and quiet cabin had all been scrapped in favor of a bargain basement price tag wrapped in styling as risky as sunblock in summer. Funk Flex Find Flex On Google+
Auto Talk: 2011 Mini Countryman
After spending September in the San Francisco bay area with Senior Editor Damon Lavrinc, our long-term 2011 Mini Cooper S Countryman All4 moved to southern California during the month of October to serve our esteemed photographer, Drew Phillips. In early November, I handed Drew the keys to our long-term 2011 Jetta TDI and stole the Countryman from his driveway. He hasn’t seen it since. Funk Flex Find Flex On Google+
Auto Talk: Consumer Group Cries Foul On Hyundai’s 40-MPG Claim
Right when it looks like Hyundai can do no wrong, we have this: A consumer protection group is asking the United States Environmental Protection Agency to look into claims that the Elantra has exaggerated fuel economy numbers. Funk Flex Find Flex On Google+
Auto Talk: Honda Expands Airbag Recall Again
Honda is still looking for a few needles in its haystack of 2001-2003 models, as it expands a recall that dates back to 2008. The recall concerns defective driver’s airbag inflators, and it’s a serious issue, one that has already resulted in a dozen injuries and at least one death. Funk Flex Find Flex On Google+
Auto Talk: Rendered Speculation: Jaguar XF Sportbrake
It likely comes as no shock to hear we’re all sorts of excited about the prospect of a Jaguar XF Sportbrake. Even though we know the model may never show up on our shores, we’re happier in a world in which a machine like this exists. Funk Flex Find Flex On Google+
Auto Talk: Vehicles Not Immune To Violent Western Winds
A rare storm system working its way from the west coast has caused millions of dollars in damage, left many without power and spurred fires from California to Colorado. According to USA Today, wind speeds reached as high as 123 miles per hour, or the equivalent of a category three hurricane. In Eldorado County, California, a total of seven fires burnt more than 130 acres as the harsh winds whipped fueled the flames. Funk Flex Find Flex On Google+
