Nik J Miles

Archive for February 25th, 2010

We get spoiled driving 150 new vehicles a year, most of which are top of the line models loaded with the options.  I’m sure the manufacturers justify providing well equipped models so we can try the options making it easier to write about them.

When the 2010 Nissan Versa 1.6 sedan arrived, it was at the other end of the spectrum, you might say it was a ‘vice Versa’.  Our test car had crank windows, manual locks and manual mirrors.  There was no remote switch to get into the trunk, no keyless entry and there wasn’t even a radio or CD player or satellite radio.  It was back to basics and without a radio, we had to think about things to talk about. Read the rest of this entry »

She – Okay, I was a little embarrassed when He picked me up at the airport in white van emblazoned  with “Ford Transit Connect… 22/25 mpg…1600 lbs. Payload…135 Cubic Feet Volume…Low Load Floor” and a large Ford logo, not to mention the www.fordvehicles.com/transitconnect web address.

It was as if He had become a Ford dealer while I was in California visiting grandkids for a few days.

He opened the passenger door for me and I sat into a comfortable truck-like cockpit with one of those heavy-duty screens mounted right behind the seats.  I wasn’t sure if the screen was to protect me from flying objects if he slammed on the brakes or to hold something captive back there.  He slid open the curbside door and set my bags into the rear area, came around and we headed toward home advertising “1600 lbs. Payload”.

He – When I first saw the Ford Transit Connect a couple of years ago at the Chicago Auto Show, my mind was flooded with the possible applications.  I had been impressed by the Dodge Sprinter van, but it’s sooo big, it was overkill for most businesses.  The Transit, however, had that just right size and should be perfect for millions (or at least hundreds of thousands) of small business that need a reasonably sized vehicle. Read the rest of this entry »

San Diego – European sport sedans should watch their rear view mirrors closely because there is another Infiniti pulling into the passing lane.

Graphically expressed by sweeping brush stokes, the new 2011 Infiniti M styling is a translation of organic lines to sculpted steel.  From the complex face with the trademark Infiniti grille and raised fenders that extend back to the rear fascia, the lines are distinctive and elegant. Read the rest of this entry »