On The Road

Photo courtesy of BMW
BMW offers its new 440i coupe in hard top and convertible models.

After driving two high-performance 2018 coupes last month, the BMW 440i with track handling package and the Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack, we found it hard to imagine two vehicles that could be more similar in price and performance, yet more different in terms of the customers for whom they are designed.

The Challenger is priced at $51,000 and the 440i at $58,300, both are two-door coupes capable for track-day events, fun to drive around town and rated to go 0 to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds.

Megan V. Winslow/Town Crier

The California Vehicle Code states that “a pedestrian may walk close to (the) right-hand edge of the roadway if a … means of safely crossing the roadway is not available or if … conditions would compromise the safety of a pedestrian attempting to cross the road.”

Last month I discussed California laws regarding bikes on the road. A reader asked that I do the same for pedestrians.

Recently a customer called to tell us that her 2006 Mazda Tribute was acting strange. The check-engine light, ABS light, traction-control light, cruise-control light, battery light and brake lights were on or flashing. In addition, the speedometer needle was jumping up and down, and the odometer was flashing.

When the car arrived at the shop, I went to confirm the complaint. The speedometer head looked like a Christmas tree, so we knew we were going to have to pull error codes by hooking the car up to our computer. When we tried to pull codes from the data-link connector (DLC), there was no communication with any module.

Courtesy of Ford
The Ford Expedition’s engine produces 375 horsepower and the vehicle gets 24 mpg on the highway.

By now, most people interested in automobiles have heard that Ford, the company that put America into motor cars, is getting out of the car business – with the exception of the Mustang – choosing to instead focus on trucks and SUVs.

Fortunately, Ford makes some good trucks for people who need truck capability to haul their horse trailer or boat but want to travel in an SUV while doing it. For them, there is the truck-based Ford Expedition, completely redesigned for 2018. We didn’t really need the largest SUV on the market for the Monterey Classic Car Week, but that was what was available. We’re pleased to say that in Max trim, we agree with other commentators who say this is the best full-size SUV on the market. Yes, it costs $72,185, but there is no other vehicle that is ready to tow a 9,000-pound trailer and seven passengers in comfort, or haul up to 121 cubic feet of cargo. The engine may produce only 375 horsepower, but with Ecoboost, it puts 470 pound-feet of torque to the rear wheels through its 10-speed automatic transmission. Even with this power, the engine technology manages 17 mpg in the city and up to 24 mpg in highway use.

What impressed us

Lane-keeping technology, part of the semi-autonomous safety package, is a big help in keeping this 19-foot-long vehicle on the road. The system extends to preventing a trailer from destabilizing its steering and balance, a very important feature for people who don’t tow a heavy trailer that frequently.

A question of practicality

We have to wonder how many people really need this much vehicle most of the time.

Overall impression

Courtesy of Honda
The Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid has a 48-mile range on a quick charge.

For most people, automotive transportation is a necessary part of suburban life, and for them, the best car we’ve driven – since the Chevy Volt plug-in hybrid is likely to be discontinued next year – is the plug-in hybrid version of the new Honda Clarity, powered by a four-cylinder engine and an electric motor.

For typical use getting to and from work in one of the adjacent towns and running errands on a daily basis, the 48-mile range from a quick charging-station or overnight charge is more than sufficient to drive this car only on electric power for weeks at a time.

Courtesy of Hyundai
Fully equipped, the Hyundai Genesis G90 sells for just under $74,000.

Success comes with benefits, and for people with significant personal transportation needs, one benefit is the opportunity to drive a truly comfortable automobile.

Such cars were previously manufactured by the significant German, Japanese and – still hanging on – two American manufacturers. But recently Korean manufacturer Hyundai has entered the scene with its Genesis brand. Our recent experience with the Genesis G90, introduced in 2017 and unchanged for 2018, indicates that there is definitely a new kid on the block – at a substantially lower price – that is worth getting to know if you’re in the market for a luxury sedan.