Erik Azar is a motorsports enthusiast living in Northeast Florida. He is presently the VP of the Jacksonville Corvette Club and an active member of JAMS – Jacksonville Area Mopars where he enjoys attending motorsport events in his Jeep JK and Dodge Challenger Hellcat Redeye.
The 5th annual Mopars on the Beach in Myrtle Beach, SC – tailored as a Vacation for Mopar Enthusiasts took place from November 10-15, 2020. Like so many other motorsport events this year, Mopars on the Beach was postponed from its usual June timeframe.
Mopars on the Beach was founded in 2016 by Tommy and Cathy Bridges of the Coastal Carolina Mopars, and with the help of their club members pulled off a successful event as they had to be agile and creative dealing with the current Covid-19 climate. This year saw over 300 attendees from 17 states traveling from as far away as Nevada and Arizona.
The week’s activities consisted of various Cruise-ins, Dyno Day, Charity Ride, and a Car Show. It’s a great way for Mopar enthusiasts to meet other like-minded people from all over the United States and develop new friendships.
This year even the late season Hurricane Iota wouldn’t put a damper on the activities and fun. The rain stopped Thursday evening allowing Friday’s Charity Ride and Saturday’s car show to take place with beautiful weather.
Friday’s charity ride to the small town of Georgetown, SC ended up having more than double the number of attendees expected. The organizers did an excellent job coordinating with the local police departments to arrange police escorts and blocking major intersections for more than 100 cars to travel from site to site. The evening ended at The Landing at the Boathouse for dinner and prizes.
The main event and largest generator of donation funds for the charities was Saturday’s car show that hosted over 300 cars on display. The cars ranged from classic 60s-70s Mopar muscle, to modern muscle and custom Mopars – which provided something for everybody to enjoy.
For 2020 the event raised $13,000 that was evenly divided between two local charities:
· Quilts of Valor local chapter – provides volunteer handmade quilts to service members and veterans that have been touched by war.
· Lowcountry Food Bank – provides both the education and nutritious options needed by partner agencies and schools that serve our community
Next year’s Mopars on the Beach is scheduled for Nov 2-6, 2021 and will move to Broadway at the Beach, a popular tourist destination with shopping and entertainment. There will also be Drag Strip day on Thursday, Nov 4, 2021 at Darlington Drag Strip.
Infiniti knows how to build a twin turbo V6 engine, especially of the 3-liter variety. Much of my childhood was spent daydreaming about the then new second generation 300ZX. The top-tier version was powered by a glorious 3-liter twin turbo V6. A likely underrated 300-horsepower masterpiece that could be considered the grandfather of the engine that sits under the hood of our review vehicle today, the 2021 Infiniti Q50 Red Sport AWD.
Unlike the 300zx, even the longer wheelbase four passenger version, the Q50 is an entirely practical car. With a premium interior that seats five adults and useable – if not spacious – trunk, Infiniti’s premium sports sedan is many things that the beloved sports coupe of my youth wasn’t.
All while shaving a half second or more off the 300zx’s zero to sixty time, depending on news outlet and driver.
Exterior design that has been around the block but still looks fresh
We remember when the Q50 first arrived for the 2014 model year. At the time there wasn’t much that could compete with the futuristic design. Matter of fact, the relatively unchanged exterior was so far advanced that it still looks fresh in 2021. However, in a line up with segment competitors the Q50’s curb appeal slightly wanes.
A well-made premium interior
There are more luxurious sedans in the segment, but no one can argue the Q50’s excellent fit and finish. Front legroom is plentiful and rear seat passengers will find the accommodations excellent for two adults or three youth.
In our experience, Infiniti makes one of the most comfortable seats found in any new car. The frame is padded just enough to be comfortable, but not so much that you lose support. Our Red Sport 400 arrived with semi-aniline quilted leather seats. We appreciated the red stitching throughout the cabin, which adds a nice contrast. The Red Sport also adds quilted side inserts on the seats and dashboard dials with dark chrome finish.
Cargo space is about average for the segment. With 13.5 cubic feet, the Q50 will work for most around town situations. You can fit quite a few groceries or backpacks for instance. But those looking for optimal cargo space and desire something in the Infiniti family will want to look at the QX50 SUV.
Two screens instead of one
The Q50 has not one, but two touch-capacitive color screens in the center console. Both screens work together to provide infotainment and control other vehicle functions. The top 8-inch screen displays Apple CarPlay, Android Auto or navigation and can be controlled using the touchscreen, steering wheel controls or a control knob. The lower 7-inch screen can display various apps depending on the user’s preferences. Infiniti’s “InTouch” system works well after you take time to configure the car and explore the features.
Driver Profiles are automatically implemented based on which key fob is used. Which allows the Q50 to feel like “your car” for everyone in the family with their own fob. The driver’s seat and steering wheel automatically adjust when you jump in and push the on/off button.
Options include a 16-speaker Bose sound system and advanced Climate Control System with “Plasmacluster” air purifier.
Available active safety technology includes an “around view” monitor with moving object detection, intelligent cruise control, forward emergency braking, distance control assist, blind spot monitors, backup collision and lane departure warning. Additional features include lane departure prevention with active lane control, adaptive front lighting, high beam assist and predictive forward collision warning.
A bit more about that incredible engine
Whether you opt for the 300 horsepower of 400 horsepower variant, the Q50’s 3-liter twinturbo engine is a work of mechanical art. Referred to the as VQ V6, the direct-injection system is tuned to provide an excellent balance of efficiency and power. While this is a new car, the tuner/home mechanic in me could easily see this lightweight aluminum engine swapped out into a long number of vintage Japanese sports cars creating the ultimate import restomod. I also think that it could be easily tuned to favor performance over efficiency if/when that time arrives.
The standard twin turbo, offered in the Q50 3.0t LUXE and Q50 3.0t SPORT models, produces 300 horsepower and 295 lb-ft torque. The high-output version, like the one found in our Q50 RED SPORT 400, delivers 400 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque.
Both engines are matched to a seven-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode. The 2018 Q50 can be configured with rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.
Thanks to the powerful engine and quick shifting automatic, the Q50 offers excellent acceleration. Entering the highway, even a short ramp that is about the equivalent of an aircraft carrier, is easy. Passing is a breeze. The plus-sized brakes on our Red Sport made quick work of stopping and resisted fading in stop and go traffic. While we aren’t the biggest fans of Infiniti’s drive-by-wire system, it has evolved over the years, After a few days behind the wheel the system almost feels somewhat natural, almost. Our guess is that most cars at some point in the future will feature a system that uses this technology over the conventional steering that we are accustomed to. It allows for user configuration that would be impossible in a traditional system.
Our Red Sport review vehicle also included Infiniti’s “Dynamic Digital Suspension.” The adjustable suspension system can be set for comfort or varying levels of sport. While we want to be heroes and say that we left the suspension dialed up to the sportiest mode, we found the comfort-biased settings worked the best for everyday driving.
Pricing
The base model Q50 Pure starts at $36,600 plus fees. The Q50 RED SPORT 400 includes leather-appointed seats, aluminum-accented pedals, dark chrome interior trim, dark metallic paddle shifters, 19-inch wheels and tires, custom exhaust tips, sport brakes with red painted calipers, a full range of safety and driver aid technologies. Our nicely equipped Red Sport with all-wheel-drive costs $62,065.
Deremer Studios Photography – Automotive, Commercial & Fine Art, Jacksonville Car Culture’s official photographer, has created a stunning 2021 calendar showcasing the 25th Annual Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance that is FREE to download! FREE!
Deremer Studios offers incredible automotive photography packages for collectors and enthusiasts. If you’ve been looking for a wonderful way to showcase your ride online or in print, Deremer Studios is the way to go. Great photos can also help you sell you car if/when the time ever comes.
The first new car I ever bought wore a Kia badge. Our first child was born and we needed reliability, but on a budget. The Sephia worked out well. The tiny sedan was paid off in a few years and for us at least, was relatively trouble free.
Photos by author.
However you sliced it though, the Sephia was bare-bones transportation. No notable bells and whistles, performance was mediocre (at best) and the build quality made it feel like a “disposable” car versus one that you would repair once it was out of the long warranty period.
Fast forward twenty years. My firstborn is preparing to graduate from college. I’ve watched her grow up and she’s prepared for what lies ahead. She’s intelligent and isn’t afraid of hard work. Kia has also, somewhat ironically, matured over the same period of time into a manufacturer building vehicles ready to take on the world. Perhaps none more so than the recently-launched Telluride.
Kia’s mid-size SUV is everything that our humble Sephia was not. Thanks to the vehicle’s advanced technology, luxurious amenities and striking good looks, the 2021 Telluride is entirely compelling even before you get behind the wheel and experience the SUV’s refined engine and driving dynamics.
The Telluride is so good in fact that it became the first sport-utility vehicle to win the “Triple Crown” of the auto industry’s most prestigious accolades. Kia’s flagship SUV drove home with 2020’s North American Utility Vehicle of the Year (NACTOY), MotorTrend SUV of the Year and a Car and Driver 10 Best trophy stashed behind the third-row seating.
Performance that is Ready for the Real World
Kia’s Telluride is powered by a 3.8-liter V6 engine that produces 291 horsepower and 262 lb.-ft. of torque. Paired with a smooth-shifting 8-speed automatic transmission, the Telluride provides plenty of power for merging into traffic and high-speed highway passing. Front-wheel-drive is standard, Kia’s advanced all-wheel-drive is available.
Kia has provided four drive modes, Smart, Eco, Sport and Comfort, allowing the driver to configure the SUV based on road conditions and preferences. Powertrain, drivetrain and steering effort are adjusted accordingly. Vehicles equipped with AWD can also be set to “Snow” and “AWD Lock” when encountering less-than-ideal driving conditions.
Fuel economy for front-wheel-drive models is rated up to 20/26/23 city/highway/combined miles per gallon. All-wheel-drive models achieve 19/24/21 city/highway/combined. It should be noted that the Telluride is happy to run on 87 octane unleaded, an important but often forgotten (or deliberately downplayed) factor when calculating real-world fuel costs.
Standard towing is rated up to 5,000 pounds. An impressive number for a mid-size SUV.
Attractive Styling and Family-Friendly Three-Row Seating
“That’s a Kia?”
A three-word question that speaks volumes. The Telluride is often compared to much more expensive British and German SUVs. The design is undoubtedly “Rover-inspired.” The wide grille with the TELLURIDE script boldly plastered across the hood is arguably a shout-out to the venerable Land Rover. The boxy cabin, marked by the upright windshield, whispers “Discovery” to passersby. Don’t take this as a complaint or that we are saying this with ill-will, we really like the design. And while it has hints of the all-time greats, Kia’s mid-size SUV holds its own visually. Where some vehicles may have a great characteristic or two, the Telluride presents as a complete package.
At The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens in Jacksonville, Florida
Inside the Telluride is a comfortable three-row SUV. The base model offers incredible value for families and even when fully optioned, Kia’s flagship is still a relative bargain when compared to many comparably-equipped offerings from segment competitors.
Unlike many mid-size three row vehicles, the second and third row are actually roomy enough for adults. The large greenhouse adds to the vehicle’s spaciousness, giving the driver and passengers excellent visibility.
Simulated leather seating is standard and double-stitched, quilted and extra-padded leather trim upholstery is available. Heated and ventilated first- and second-row seats can also be optioned. Additional Interior touches include simulated brushed metal and matte-finished wood trim and a leather-wrapped, tilt and telescoping steering wheel.
The 2021 Telluride offers 21 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third-row seats. Fold the third row and that number increases to 46 cubic feet and 87 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded.
Technology that Rivals the Best
Whether you opt for the base model’s 8-inch or the available 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment, Kia’s system is among the best. User friendly and responsive, even the base system includes extras like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, HD Radio, satellite radio, Bluetooth, and five USB ports. Audio reproduction is stellar thanks to the standard six-speaker audio.
Upgrades include navigation, wireless device charging and an intercom system that lets the driver communicate with third-row passengers without shouting. The available 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system provides loud, clear and entirely immersive audio.
The long (very long) list of standard safety features includes a rearview camera and rear parking sensors. Blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, forward collision warning with pedestrian detection and automatic emergency braking help the driver avoid accidents. Adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane keep assist and driver drowsiness monitoring provide an extra set of electronic eyes for the driver. The rear-seat alert senses when the back doors have been opened before you departed and sends a verbal and visual cue to help prevent kids and pets from being left inside the car.
Available advanced safety features include a surround-view camera, front parking sensors, automatic high-beam headlights and a head-up display.
Pricing
The 2021 Kia Telluride starts at $31,990 plus fees. Our new-for-2021 SX AWD Nightfall Edition costs $50,180 all in. The Nightfall Edition package adds dark Kia badges, a blacked-out front grill and black 20-inch alloy wheels. The Nightfall edition also swaps out the standard chrome for, you guessed it, black exterior trim.
It is almost impossible not to fall in love with, or at least have a crush on, the 2020 Fiat 124 Spider. The long hood, short rear deck and two-seat drop-top is a throwback to when cars were built for a single purpose. Trucks hauled stuff. Sedans and station wagons scooted families around town. Vans were for rock bands and florists. And…
Fiat 124 Spider Lusso. All photos courtesy of FIAT.
Sports cars were for driving. They lacked cupholders, had terrible aftermarket radios and had what felt like negative cargo space. Why? Because sports cars, especially roadsters, weren’t designed for commuting or runs to Costco or Home Depot. A sports car’s only job was to make the owner and lucky passenger(s) smile after-hours or on weekends. And while the new 124 has cupholders, well sort of, and a decent little trunk, it is about as close to the spirit of those roadsters of yesteryear as you can buy new at a dealership, minus the Italian’s not-so-distant Japanese cousin, the Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Let’s start with Performance
You can write the Fiat 124’s performance review with a single word, “nimble.” (But since we always write more than one word see below)
Precise steering, sporty suspension and rigid design are the perfect recipe for excellent handling. Braking is excellent and it is almost impossible to get this car to feel out of control, even when pushed to the limits. On those rare times that the 124’s rear end does break loose correcting the roadster is as easy as letting up on the throttle and taking a beat.
A 1.4-liter turbocharge four-cylinder engine produces 160 horsepower and 184 lb.-ft. of torque on Classica and Lusso and 164 horsepower and 184 lb.-ft. of torque on the Abarth trim. Purists will appreciate that you can still select your own gears thanks to the standard six-speed manual transmission, which we adore. Those who prefer to have a robot handle the changes can opt for a six-speed automatic transmission, which isn’t all that bad either.
Fiat 124 Spider Lusso
Straight-line acceleration is decent, the Fiat 124 goes from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 6.4 seconds. Not too shabby, but more than a half second slower than a late-model Toyota Camry TRD. Fuel economy is excellent. The fun little roadster may not be able to pass the Camry, but it can zip by a lot of gas stations with up to 26 city / 35 highway.
Throwback Styling with a Twist
Automotive historians, and visitors of Wikipedia, might find more than a hint of irony when assessing the 2020 Fiat 124 Spider. Let’s time travel to the late 80’s, when roadster production had all but come to a halt. The designers and engineers at Mazda were able to draw inspiration from the once-beloved, but now sidelined, Fiat 124 to create a ground-breaking segment creating instantly popular roadster.
2019 Fiat 124 Spider and 1968 Fiat 124 Spider
Fast forward to 2020: Today’s Fiat 124 is based upon and built alongside the current Mazda Miata at the Mazda Hiroshima plant. In many ways the original Miata can be considered the 124’s reimagined spiritual grandchild – with a few steps along the way.
1968 Fiat 124 Spider and 2019 Fiat 124 Spider
More than 35 years after the last 124 Sport Spider rolled off the assembly line Fiat has revived the model from the underpinnings of the same car that once brought life into the flat-lined segment. The design is a lovely Italian, inspired by the sixties’ Fiat 124 Spider, take on the world’s best-selling roadster.
Bottom line: All of this equates to numerous thumbs up on the highway and copious appreciative nods from strangers in the parking lot.
1968 Fiat 124 Spider and 2019 Fiat 124 Spider
Purposeful interior with a decent trunk (by roadster standards)
The two-seater offers comfortable accommodations for the driver and passenger. At 5’10” I’m about average height and I find the Fiat’s interior to fit me quite well. Depending on trim, 124 sport seats can be wrapped in cloth, leather, leather with microfiber inserts or Recaro leather and Alcantara suede. Lusso and Abarth models include heated seats, which are a welcome addition for drop top motoring in cooler temps.
Fiat 124 Spider Lusso
Cargo space is tiny in the big scheme of things, but notable for a roadster at about 5 cubic feet. More than the number, Fiat has done a notable job designing the trunk to maximize usability.
Technology that Also Reminds You of the Old Days…
We’ve been incredibly kind to the 124 up to now, and rightfully so, the car is a blast to drive, is comfortable and looks great. That’s why we feel it is okay to be a little disappointed with the roadster’s technology offerings. The 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system features Bluetooth connectivity and by upgrading to the Bose nine-speaker audio, the unit equates to great sound. However, the system lacks fundamentals like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Fiat 124 Spider
The 124 Spider comes with a rearview camera. Optional safety features include rear parking sensors, adaptive headlights, blind spot monitors and rear cross traffic alert.
Pricing
The base model 2020 Fiat 124 Spider starts at $25,390 excluding destination, taxes, title and registration fees.
The compact crossover SUV segment seems to grow on an almost daily basis. Maybe that’s a bit of hyperbole, but it can be hard for even the “experts” to keep up with the changes and new additions. Kia’s latest subcompact SUV, the Seltos, fills a gap (or simply provides another excellent option) in a compelling crossover SUV lineup from the company that recently shook the industry when it launched the award-winning Telluride.
2021 Seltos. Images courtesy of Kia.
Squeezing in between the subcompact Soul and the compact Sportage, the subcompact Seltos is an attractively-styled crossover with a surprisingly spacious interior. Pricing also sits between the two siblings, starting at $21,900 plus fees.
2021 Seltos
Attractive Design that is “Enough”
Kia has given the Seltos a youthful, adventurous appeal. The upright stance and 7.2-inches of ground clearance hint that the crossover might be ready for some gentle off-roading. While we didn’t have the chance to take the Seltos off road, press images from Kia along with the SUV’s front and rear skid plates, black wheel arch cladding and active all-wheel-drive give credence to the Seltos being able to tackle less than ideal terrain, something few smaller compact SUVs are truly capable of.
2021 Seltos
We are fans of Kia’s new “tiger nose” grille and front and rear light treatments. Kia has proven that affordable doesn’t have to equate to boring design. But the manufacturer seems to have found a careful balance between style and gimmick or flash.
2021 Seltos
A Spacious Interior that Feels Like it Should be More Expensive
Inside, the Seltos feels bigger and more expensive than you might expect. We assume value from the brand, but the new 2021 models has surpassed expectations. The fit and finish is excellent. Kia’s choice of materials are attractive and feel substantial. The driver and front seat passenger are provided with plenty of space. Visibility is good and the seats are comfortable. Base models receive manually adjustable front seats, a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat is available.
2021 Seltos
Where the Seltos interior really stands out is in the back. The second row will work for adults, even taller adults and the standard reclining back seat is a welcome feature for longer trips.
2021 Seltos
Seltos boasts the largest rear cargo space in the subcompact SUV class. The 26.6 cubic feet available is even better than some models in the one-step-up compact SUV class. Folding down the second row yields 62.8 cubic feet.
Performance Aimed at Economy but More Than Adequate for Daily Driving Adventures
The Seltos is powered by two different engines and transmissions. LX, S and EX trims are fit with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 146 horsepower and 132 lb.-ft. of torque. Power is sent to the wheels through what Kia calls an Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT).
2021 Seltos
Our review vehicle, the SX Turbo AWD, is powered by a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that creates 175 horsepower and 195 lb.-ft. of torque. A 7-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) makes the gear changes. Kia gives the driver three drive mode options, Normal, Smart and Sport, which tweak the settings for the powertrain, drivetrain and steering.
An available all-wheel drive (AWD) system, which borrows technology from the award-winning Telluride, provides enhanced all-weather capabilities and driving performance. A center locking differential splits power equally between the front and rear wheels for more severe driving environments. The AWD system also uses torque vectoring to enhance stability in corners and provide more connection to the road.
Our time with turbocharged SX model was rewarding. The peppy engine and snappy dual-clutch transmission performed well in traffic and on the highway. Steering was precise, but forgiving. Braking felt confident and the suspension was comfortable but sporty enough to be satisfying. The Seltos does a noteworthy job of being a competent daily driver.
Fuel economy is rated up to 29/34 city/highway miles per gallon with the 2-liter. Turbocharged models are rated at 25/30 city/highway miles per gallon.
Useful Technology on a Budget
The base model Seltos comes with an 8.0-inch touch-screen infotainment system. Features include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration. Simply moving up one step to the S model adds a long list of active safety features including auto emergency braking, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, driver attention warning, electronic stability control, hill-start assist control and downhill brake control.
2021 Seltos
Our top-trim review vehicle is equipped with an upgraded 10.25-inch touch-screen system that includes navigation. Our vehicle also has an incredible sounding Bose Premium Audio with a nifty sound connected mood lamp. We’ve been fans of Kia’s exceptional infotainment for a while and the 2021 systems are better than ever. The Bose audio is loud, clear and immersive.
Pricing
The base LX model starts at $21,990 plus fees. Our top-trim SX Turbo starts at $27,890 plus fees.
At a Glance Trim Highlights:
LX
The base model is powered by the 146-hp four-cylinder paired to a CVT and standard all-wheel drive. Highlights include:
17-inch wheels
Keyless entry
Tinted rear glass
8-inch touchscreen
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
One USB port
S
The S trim swaps all-wheel-drive for different features at the same base price as the LX.
S highlights include:
Foglights
Heated mirrors
Simulated leather upholstery
Lane departure warning
Lane keep assist
Automatic high beams
S Turbo
The S Turbo includes the 1.6-liter turbo engine that is paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is standard.
Other additions include:
18-inch wheels
Exterior trim color options
Blind-spot monitors
Rear cross-traffic alert
EX
The EX reverts includes the 146-hp engine and all-wheel drive. You also get everything found on the S trim, with these EXtras:
Sunroof
Leather upholstery/heated front seats
Power-adjustable driver’s seat
Automatic climate control
Front and rear USB ports and wireless device charging
SX
Seltos’ Top-trim model, the SX picks up where the EX leaves off, adding the turbocharged engine. Additional features include:
Many thanks to everyone who participated in the Jacksonville Car Culture Holiday Lights Cruise on Jekyll Island. The overnight invite-only event provided a much needed break from the day-to-day routine and the often depressing reality that is 2020. Masks were required at all events and physical distancing was encouraged at all times.
A stunning BMW i8 sparkles under the holiday lights. Photo courtesy of Deremer Studios, LLC
We are grateful for the amazing team at The Westin Jekyll Island. Our host hotel worked diligently to help us put this wonderful event together. Whether is was hot cocoa and cookies around the courtyard fire, lining up the cruise vehicles in front of the hotel, late night drinks from the bar or a hot coffee from The Westin Cafe, the incredible hospitality, luxurious accommodations and idyllic setting were the perfect match for our exclusive event. We honestly couldn’t have asked for anything more.
View the weekend highlights video by Deremer Studios, LLC. The Westin Jekyll Island, our host hotel. Photo courtesy of Deremer Studios, LLC.
The Westin Jekyll Island, left photo courtesy of Deremer Studios, LLC.
Thank you to Mosaic, Jekyll Island Museum for opening up after hours for our group. The time outside under the beautiful lights and touring the incredible museum that tells the story of the Island was one that we will not soon forget.
Special thanks to the Hampton Inn & Suites Jekyll Island for providing a delicious breakfast for our group on Saturday and to Life is Good for offering a wonderful little memento of our trip to the entrants.
Hampton Inn & Suites, Deremer Studios, LLC
Life is Good
Acura’s new NSX in a very festive Santa-approved red. Photo courtesy of Deremer Studios, LLC
Last but not least, thanks to Deremer Studios, LLC., the official photographer of Jacksonville Car Culture.
Don’t worry if you missed this adventure, the Jacksonville Car Culture team is already planning the next one! Stay tuned to our social media channels or this website for details.
Happy Holidays, Chris, Abbi and the entire team at Jacksonville (First Coast Car Culture)
To view the Jacksonville Car Culture Jekyll Island Holiday Lights Cruise photo gallery visit:
Obviously mileage will vary, but the last four days of driving the 2015 Toyota Camry Hybrid SE Sedan have been nothing short of an mpg miracle. (Ok, maybe I oversell, but I really don’t like buying gasoline.)
Courtesy of Toyota.
Officially Toyota’s latest version of its venerable best seller is rated at 40 city and 38 highway, but my short repeated trips lifestyle (translation: boring) has me closer to 50 mpgs for the most part. Dropping the kids off at school is about a 4-mile rounder, the gym is about 5 miles (notice how I threw in that go to the gym), the grocery store 5 miles, etc.
Photo by author.
I did take the fuel-sipper across town soon after it arrived and had tallied up more than 80 miles on the odometer when I clicked this photo with my cell phone. I honestly think the gauge was traveling to the right instead of the left for a while.
After another 40 miles trip it moved just to the left of the “full” mark, but not enough that I have stopped considering whether a neighbor is playing tricks on me and filling the tank while I’m asleep.
Courtesy of Toyota.
Kelley Blue Book says that a used 2015 Toyota Camry Hybrid SE with 80k miles should cost around $15k or so. Knowing Toyota’s long-term reliability, the Camry is always near the top of my list for families shopping for a used sedan. That said, look for a well-maintained vehicle with no accidents and always buy from a reputable dealer or trusted individual.
Let’s just get this out in the open, we like the new 2021 Kia K5. The styling, performance, technology and long list of standard features give the consumer a lot to appreciate. Competitive pricing, strong fuel economy and an incredibly long warranty make Kia’s mid-size sedan a value leader too.
2021 K5 GT-Line AWD. Photos courtesy of Kia unless otherwise noted.
Exterior Styling that Roars (roll with me here)
Kia calls the wide and thin front grille that extends into the headlights and hood a “tiger face.” Whatever name you affix to it, we like the look. The K5 is aggressive and sporty. Touches of chrome and the sedan’s flowing lines are accented with touches of gloss black. The stock 16-inch alloy wheels can be swapped for 18 or 19-inch versions wrapped with Pirelli P-Zero tires. Dual chrome exhaust tips on the GT-Line and GT models add to the overall sporty appeal.
2021 K5 GT-Line AWD. Photo by author.
The fastback-style C-pillar helps the K5 pop in the shopping center parking lot, but the same feature helps Kia’s moderately-priced sedan blend in with much more expensive premium sedans.
2021 K5 GT
An Interior that Purrs (I couldn’t help myself)
It is almost hard to believe that Kia can pack this much luxury into a car for the price. The seating is roomy and comfortable. Dual-zone climate control is standard. Higher trim models sport high quality simulated leather seating material and real wood accents.
2021 K5 GT
We spent our week in a GT-Line model which included a 10-way power driver’s Seat with 2-way power lumbar support and a 6-way power adjustable front passenger’s seat. Thanks to the wide range of movements and the standard tilt and telescopic steering wheel, finding a comfortable driving position is easy.
Rear seat passengers will find the K5 has plenty of room for two adults or three children. Yes, three adults will fit, but we wouldn’t recommend too many sedans built in 2020 for a five adult cross-country adventure. The 16 cubic feet of cargo space is average for the segment and a tiny bit bigger than the room found in the outgoing Kia Optima. Much like the seating, the trunk works well for four adults on a long weekend trip.
2021 K5 GT
Turbocharged Performance
The new K5 is powered by one of two different turbocharged engines depending on options and trim. The base engine is a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that produces 180 horsepower and 195 lb.-ft. of torque. The engine is attached to an all-new eight-speed automatic transmission on LX, LXS, GT-Line and EX trims. The new engine includes “Continuously Variable Valve Duration (CVVD)” technology which results in a boost in performance and efficiency.
Kia’s new “all-weather-drive” system (that means front-wheel-drive based all-wheel-drive) is available as an option on K5 models powered by the 1.6-liter engine.
2021 K5 GT-Line AWD
A second, larger and more powerful 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine is also available. Producing 290 horsepower and 311 lb.-ft. of torque and paired with a new 8-speed “wet” Dual Clutch Transmission, with this engine the K5 becomes a decent performer. Foot down to the floor, the GT model takes 5.8 seconds to reach sixty miles per hour. The “wet” DCT is a rare find in a mid-size family sedan, setting the K5 apart from the model’s predecessors and segment competition. We’ve been a fan of the Optima, which the K5 replaces, for a while but the new transmission helps bolster our recommendation in a crowded segment.
2021 K5 GT-Line AWD
Fuel economy is rated up to 29 city and 38 highway in front-wheel drive models with the 1.6-liter. The larger 2.5-turbo is rated at 24 city and 32 highway mpg.
2021 K5 GT
Technology
Truth be told, Kia’s infotainment is among the best in the industry. Most people want lots of features but everyone needs an infotainment system that works. Kia offers 8 and 10.25-inch touchscreen systems that are feature heavy AND work well. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth and USB connectivity are all standard.
Our GT-Line featured the larger 10.25-inch system which included a navigation system with real-time traffic data, satellite radio and a very handy wireless phone charger. The unit also features multi-connection Bluetooth wireless that lets two phones connect at the same time.
2021 K5 GT
The base six-speaker audio works well, delivering clear and loud entertainment. An optional 12-speaker BOSE system adds another layer of realism to the audio reproduction.
Noteworthy: Kia’s 10.25-inch touchscreen coupled with the optional BOSE audio package is one of our favorite infotainment systems currently on the market at any price level.
Our GT-Line review vehicle came with a long list of active safety features. Highlights include forward collision-avoidance assist with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, lane following assist, automatic high beams, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and a rear view monitor with dynamic parking guidance. Other driver helps include smart navigation-based cruise control with stop and go and highway driving assist.
We found the driver attention warning with leading vehicle departure alert a little bit much. Our local roadways tend to have lines that work more as suggestions than hard and fast rules thanks to a dozen repaints and “fixes” over the years. The line of traffic rarely follows the paint, which seems to irritate the Kia’s feelings. Also, we like to take a second and look both ways before entering busy Jacksonville, Florida intersections, which is fine unless you’re second in line. The K5 likes to let you know that you’ve missed a beat. Both are minor irritations of course and frankly the car is right. But we still like to be the conductor, even if we aren’t always playing the score note for note.
2021 K5 GT-Line AWD
Pricing
The 2021 Kia K5 starts at $23,490 plus fees. Our GT-Line reviewer starts at $25,390 or $29,090 with “all-weather-drive.” Even loaded up, the K5 is a value leader. Did we already say that we like this sedan? Because we do.
