Compact cars were all the rage a few years ago, and while demand for econocars is trending downward, the Ford Focus continues to be a force in the compact niche, as it continues to deliver style and economy for under $20K.

Dropping one slot to the 12th top-selling sedan in America (all sedan sizes and luxury levels included), the 2018 Ford Focus remains essentially the same for 2018 as it was last year, with massive changes set for 2019. Ford’s econobox will sit on an all-new platform with an adaptive suspension system next year, and the body will be sculpted with crisper lines, a longer hood and a longer wheelbase.

For this year, Focus is offered in Sedan, Hatch and Electric models, and can be tailored (with options) to fit personal style for car shoppers on a budget, with a price that starts at $17,950. New for this year are a revamped color palette with four new metallic hues offered: Blue, Hot Pepper Red, Lightning Blue, and Outrageous Green are in, and Blue Candy, Kona Blue, Race Red, and Ruby Red are out. Also, the SE Appearance Package is now available on all SE models regardless of engine choice, and some minor equipment elements have been deleted from various trims. And, unfortunately, the spiffiest Focus, the RS trim, is being discontinued, with a limited run of only 1,000 vehicles available in America.

But there’s still a lot to like for 2018, as Ford Focus remains a comfortable, power-enough low-frills commuter car, with enough infotainment to satisfy younger and trend-motivated buyers. The 2018 Ford Focus has available SYNC® 3 enhanced voice recognition and entertainment system with AppLink™ and 911 Assist®, an 8-inch center LCD touch screen with available navigation, and swiping and pinch-to-zoom capabilities. Two standard smart-charging USB ports are great for families on the go with energy-hungry devices.

Visually, Focus displays a sporty architecture that seems upticked from typical economical sedans priced under $20K. Focus is fluid and rounded and exudes energy and hipness. Configured in hatchback or sedan layouts, the compact sedan, measures 178.7 inches in length (the hatchback is 5 inches shorter), 71.8 inches in width and 57.8 inches in height on a 104.3-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of 2935 lbs. for the sedan and 3214 for the hatchback version.

Assembled at Ford’s Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne, Michigan, with unitized steel body construction, the SE trim Focus I tested was pleasing for the segment, with an aggressive demeanor and attractive lines.

For power, the standard Focus engine is a 2.0-liter Ti-VCT FFV inline-4-cylinder engine built in Dearborn, Michigan. That system provides 160hp and 146 lb-ft. of torque and is rated at 26mpg/city, 36mpg/highway with a 5-speed manual transmission. Also available are a super-economical 1.0-liter 3-cylinder EcoBoost® engine built in Craiova, Romania, that provides 123 hp and 125 lb-ft. of torque. The manual version is EPA rated at 30mpg/city, 42mpg/highway and 35mpg combined, while the six-speed PowerShift automatic with SelectShift is rated at 30mpg/city and 42mpg/highway. On the downside, you DO sacrifice performance for the increase in economy. Realistically, the 1.0-liter 3-cylinder system requires a lot of strategy to pass at speed on the Interstate, and long uphill grades can be a challenge – that’s why I opted for the standard 2.0-liter. On the upside, if you crave more power for a sub-3000-lb. vehicle, a 2.0-liter EcoBoost I-4 is also available, with its 252 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque, for an EPA estimate of 22/city and 31/highway with the 6-speed manual transmission.

My test Focus SE, outfitted with the 2.0-liter Ti-VCT FFV I-4, was mated to a six-speed PowerShift automatic. It was rated at 27mpg/city and 40mpg/highway and my mixed-use car tests churned out an average of 32.2mpg.

On the track, the 160 horses were enough to complete a 9.1-second zero-to-60mph sprint during a 17-second quarter-mile; and on the highway, the set-up was adequate enough to ease by other vehicles at speed and overcome uphills.

Inside, Focus features a center console and driver/passenger-friendly capabilities. With seating capacity for five, front head room is tight, but niche-acceptable, at 38.3 inches with 38 inches of rear head room; front legroom measures 43.1 inches with a cramped 33.2 inches for rear passengers and shoulder room is 55.6 inches in front and 52.6 inches for rear seat passengers.

Available in Sedan, Hatchback and Electric configurations, the Base “S” 2018 Focus sedan starts at $17,950; the Hatch starts at $20,540 and the Electric bases at $29,120. My test SE sedan, under $20K to start, with a manual transmission and the 1.0-liter engine, was in Lightning Blue with Medium Light Stone cloth seats. The 2.0-liter I-4 necessitated a move to the 6-speed automatic transmission for $1095. The Cold Weather Package added $645 for all-weather floor mats, heated front-seats, leather-wrapped, heated steering wheel and heated exterior mirrors with turn signal indicator. The Interior Protection Package added $150 for all-weather floormats and cargo area protector. Remote start added $445 and Destination charges were $875. The sticker-as-tested was $22,305, but incentives of $4000 brought the price down to $18,305, so check with your local dealer for under-$20K deals.

> Visit www.CarlisleEvents.com for more on the automotive hobby.

Mike Blake, former editor of KIT CAR magazine, joined Carlisle Events as senior automotive journalist in 2004. He's been a "car guy" since the 1960s and has been writing professionally for about 30 years.

Volvo launched its small luxury crossover, the XC60, for the 2010 model year, and in the nine years since its launch, it has become the bestselling premium mid-sized SUV in Europe with nearly a million units sold globally. The XC60 today represents around 30 percent of Volvo’s total global sales.

Well, it’s time for a makeover, and the Volvo XC60 has been completely redesigned for 2018.

Keying in on safety, Volvo has added such new safety items for 2018 as Oncoming Lane Mitigation, that uses Steer Assist to help mitigate head-on collisions, while Volvo’s Blind Spot Indication System now uses Steer Assist to reduce the risk of lane-changing collisions. Steer Assist has been added to Volvo’s ground-breaking City Safety system. Also in the safety suite is Pilot Assist, Volvo’s advanced semi-autonomous driver assistance system, which takes care of steering, acceleration and braking on well-marked roads up to 80 MPH, now available as an option

Also new for 2018 are a T8 Twin Engine gas plug-in hybrid at the top of the powertrain range, delivering 400 hp; a new CleanZone four-zone climate system that removes harmful pollutants and particles from outside the cabin to deliver fresh air on the inside; and enhanced driver infotainment and connected services that offer Sensus, and the Volvo On Call app, both upgraded with a graphical update with improved usability. Smartphone integration with CarPlay and Android Auto is also available.

As no redesign is complete without an exterior re-imagining, Volvo has constructed the 2018 XC60 as an elegant SUV with drivability. Available in three trim levels: the elegant Momentum; the sportier and track-cornering R-Design; and the more luxurious Inscription with an enhanced exterior and interior, XC60 shows off fluid Euro rounded exterior lines, an elegant demeanor and a sculpted feel. Inside, the cabin is a composition of well-resolved architecture, luxury materials and step-ahead technology, blended together for what Volvo says is: “a true Scandinavian experience which will make our customers feel special.”

Weighing in from 4105 lbs. to 4600 lbs. depending on trim level and options, XC60 measures 184.6 inches long, 83.3 inches wide and 65.3 inches high on a 112.8-inch wheelbase.

Inside, pampering prevails, as does comfort, with the exception of headroom – a surprisingly skimpy 38 inches of front and rear headroom. However, you do get a comfortable 41.5 inches of front legroom with 38 inches in row two, and 58.2 inches of front shoulder room and 56.3 inches of rear shoulder room.

While not as quiet inside as I would have expected, due to road and wind noise, the XC60’s cabin is filled with soft and lush materials, comfortable seats, impressive climate control, state-of-the-art infotainment, a rotary control touch-screen that works well, and good sightlines and visibility.

Under hood, XC60 power comes in several options. The base engine is a T5 AWD 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that provides 250hp and 258 lb-ft of torque for an EPA rating of 22mpg/city, 28mpg/highway and 24mpg/overall. Next up is the T6 that powered my test ride. T6 is a 2.0-liter that performs to 316hp and 295 lb-ft. That setup got me 27mpg on the highway and a 22.2mpg average in mixed-use driving. Finally, the T8 eAWD plug-in hybrid distributes 400hp and 472 lb-ft and mileage ratings were not yet available.

While the double wishbone front suspension, coil springs, hydraulic shock absorbers and stabilizer bar work well with the integral axle rear with transverse composite leaf spring, hydraulic shock absorbers and stabilizer bar to smooth out road irregularities, we did feel the vibrations inside. On the road, the power-assisted rack and pinion steering was above average for the niche, and the XC60 was stable and confident even during quick turning.

Acceleration was strong and predictable, and I was in line the manufacturer’s estimates of 6.8 seconds for a zero-to-60mph dash and a 15.2-second quarter-mile, with hand-timed runs of 6.9 seconds and 15.3.

The 2018 Volvo VX60 is offered in three trims, with the Momentum starting at $41,500, the R-Sport basing at $44,800 and the Inscription trim beginning at $45,300.

My test XC60 Momentum, with a laminated Panoramic Moonroof with power sunshade, LED headlights with Thor’s Hammer Daytime running lights, rear park assist camera and Smartphone integration, upgraded with the T6 AWD for an additional $3400. The T8 e-AWD plug-in Hybrid starts at an additional $8000, but my test vehicle went with the T6 only. Upgraded metallic paint costs $595, but mine was standard in Ice White. Spiffy wheels can run from $1000 to $4375, but mine has spiffy-enough standard wheels -- 19-inch, 5-Double Spoke Black/Diamond Cut Alloy Wheels. The Advanced Package added Active Bending Lights, LED Front Fog Lights with Cornering Lights, 360-degree Surround View Camera, Graphical Head-up Display and Headlight High Pressure Cleaning for $1900. The upgrade requires also adding the $1100 Vision Package -- Park Assist, Blind Spot Information, Cross Traffic Alert, Power retractable rear view mirrors and auto-dimming motors. Navigation and 12.3-inch digital instrument display added $1400; Heated front seats and steering wheel added $750; heated rear seats added $450; and Keyless entry and power tailgate added $575. With Destination fees of $995, my 2018 Volvo XC60 stickered at $52,070.


> Visit www.CarlisleEvents.com for more on the automotive hobby.

Mike Blake, former editor of KIT CAR magazine, joined Carlisle Events as senior automotive journalist in 2004. He's been a "car guy" since the 1960s and has been writing professionally for about 30 years.

Last year, Kia introduced the Niro to its line-up – a hybrid SUV that didn’t look like a hybrid and more resembled a sporty hatchback than a crossover. With a real feel for “green,” Niro was marketed as an HUV, or Hybrid Utility Vehicle, that was EPA rated at 51mpg. Backing that up, Niro officially received a Guinness World Records title for the lowest fuel consumption by a hybrid vehicle, as it traveled from Los Angeles to New York City with a fuel consumption record of 76.6 mpg – hypermiling to achieve the record that average drivers on average streets and highways won’t approach.

Following up in year two, Niro continues its green ways and has been recognized as such by being selected Green Car Journal’s 2018 Green SUV of the Year™. Additionally, Niro has gained honors from other sources including earning a J.D. Power Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) award and J.D. Power’s Initial Quality Study accolade in the Small SUV category. And the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has awarded its best rating possible, Top Safety Pick Plus (TSP+), to the 2018 Kia Niro when equipped with available Forward Collision Warning System and Autonomous Emergency Braking System as well high-intensity discharge headlights.

Building on 2017’s launch, Kia has upgraded Niro for 2018 with a new plug-in model, a Graphite Edition with an exclusive paint color, gloss-black exterior trim and a full suite of safety and tech enhancements. The 2018 Niro also sees a number of trim-specific additions in standard safety, tech and infotainment features.

Looking atypical of hybrids, Niro was conceived at Kia’s design centers in Irvine, California, and Namyang, Korea. Niro’s demeanor is curvy, slim, strong and confident with subtly sculpted surfaces offset by robust styling cues. Niro sports wide and low proportions, measuring 171.5 inches long, 71.1 inches wide and 60.4 inches high, on a 106.3-inch wheelbase. The overhang is 34.3 inches in front and 30.9 inches in the rear and Niro has a ground clearance of 6.3 inches. Curbweight for the upper trims is 3161 lbs.

The Niro cabin is also sporty and intuitive, filled with hip and high-tech interior accouterments. Glossy white or black accents underline the HUV’s straightforward theme, and the instrument panel is uncluttered and clean, with colorful and informative gauges in easy sight, and driver-friendly primary and secondary controls positioned intuitively. Interior roominess measures 40.1 inches of front headroom with 39.1 inches in the rear; legroom is 41.7 inches up front and 37.4 inches in row two, and shoulder room comes in at 56.0 and 55.2. Seats with increased pad density in the cushions ensure a comfortable ride, and Niro boasts an elevated seating position much like the Kia Soul, providing drivers with a more commanding view of the road as well as easy ingress and egress.

The powertrain begins with the Kappa 1.6-liter GDI four-cylinder engine, engineered specifically for hybrid applications. The two-tiered system includes an aluminum block and head engine that delivers 104hp and 109 lbs.-ft. of torque, and a 240-volt Lithium-ion polymer battery-powered electric motor that provides 43 hp. The combined system is rated at 139hp and 195 lbs.-ft of torque, for a driving range of 583 miles.

EPA rated at 51mpg on the highway, 46mpg/city and 49mpg overall, my week of interstate and in-town driving yielded a much-lower average in town – 34mpg – but 53 mpg on the highway and an average 44.2mpg.

More than simply economical, Niro’s power system also displays a spirited performance on the road. Acceleration is smooth and swift for the niche, and moving more quickly than expected from a hybrid, my test Niro sprinted a zero-to-60mpg dash in 8.9 seconds (hand-timed) during a 16.9-second (hand-timed) quarter-mile.

Corners were taken effectively for the segment with little body roll and comparatively small top wobble. Road noise was surprisingly present in the cabin, but for the most part, Niro handled more like a sedan than a Crossover. Acceleration was respectable enough for everyday driving, braking was confident, steering was supple and responsive and the independent front suspension with MacPherson struts, stabilizer and gas shocks, worked well with the independent multi-link rear with twin tube shocks to smooth out most road irregularities.

The 2018 Kia Niro starts at $23,340 for the base FE trim, and moves up through the LX at $23,650; the EX at $26,150; and the Touring at $32,000. My test Niro LX upgraded from lower trims with LED Daytime running lights and fog lights; cloth/leather seat trim with heated front seats; Black high-gloss interior accents and auto-dimming rearview mirror; Blind-Spot Detection; Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert. Crimson Red exterior paint added $295, paired with a Gray cloth and leather interior. The EX Advance Technology Package added $1950 for Autonomous Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Forward Collision Warning System, Lane Keep Assist System; Smart Cruise Control and 10-Way Driver's Seat Adjustment, with 2-way Power Lumbar Support. A trunk cargo net added $50 and a Cargo Mat added $95; mud guards were $95; carpeted floor mats were $135; and destination fees of $940 brought the sticker-as-tested to $29,710 – under $30K for a sporty hybrid SUV.



> Visit www.CarlisleEvents.com for more on the automotive hobby.

Mike Blake, former editor of KIT CAR magazine, joined Carlisle Events as senior automotive journalist in 2004. He's been a "car guy" since the 1960s and has been writing professionally for about 30 years.

The 2018 Acura TLX performance luxury mid-size sedan has been refreshed with a sporty and angular architecture that plays off the manufacturer’s aggressive new design direction, and its AcuraWatch™ technology is now standard equipment on all grades, as TLX moves to the forefront of its niche in the application of advanced safety and driver-assistive technologies.
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Considered a compact executive/entry-level luxury sedan at birth, TLX was launched in 2014 for model year 2015, replacing the TL (initialese for “Touring Luxury”) and TSX in the Acura line-up. Revised for this year, the 2018 TLX gains Acura Precision Concept’s signature diamond-mesh pentagon grille, a wider stance, revised front fascia, fenders and wheels, and new infotainment with a simplified interface. New features for 2018 include: Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink®; standard AcuraWatch Suite®; multi-view rear camera; collision mitigation braking system; adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow; lane-keeping assist system; road departure mitigation system; Bling spot information; rear cross traffic monitor; and updated 7-inch dual-screen center stack infotainment with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and SiriusXM 2.0. You also get automatic high beams as a new feature that can detect oncoming traffic and switch to low beams until the oncoming vehicle has passed.

Longer and wider than most of its competition in the segment, last year’s exterior “beak” look is now striking and bold. The TLX’s overall demeanor is one of sportiness, athleticism and refinement, with powerful lines, in a mid-size package.

Assembled at Honda’s Marysville, Ohio Auto Plant, TLX measures 191.7 inches long, 57.0 inches high and 73.0 inches wide, on a 109.3-inch wheelbase, offering a ground clearance of 5.8 inches. Curbweight ranges from 3505 to 3838 lbs.

Inside, the quiet cabin is well-thought-out and offers an abundance of available luxury features and technologies including heated and ventilated front seats, HomeLink®, Smart Entry/Push Button Start keyless access system, Acura Navigation System™ with 3-D view, and AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic™ with Traffic Rerouting. A 7-inch On Demand Multi-Use Display™ touch screen, located in the center console, controls these and other features, and, with its contextual menus, displays relevant items while minimizing instrument panel clutter. The TLX also features AcuraLink®, Acura's cloud-based connected car system.

The TLX cabin is more cozy than cavernous, providing 37.2 inches of front headroom with 36.7 inches in row two. Legroom is comfortable in front at 42.6 inches, but tight in the rear seats at 34.5 inches; while shoulder room goes 57.5 and 55.4.

TLX is powered by the same two engine choices that have been in place for years. Both engines are designed to merge muscle with acceptable fuel economy. The TLX 2.4-liter inline-4-cylinder engine grants 206 hp and 182 lbs.-ft. of torque for an EPA rating of 23mpg/city, 33mpg/highway and 27mpg/combined mpg on Premium Unleaded 91 Octane; and the direct Injection 3.4-liter V-6 delivers 290hp and 267 lbs.-ft. of torque for a 21/30/24 estimate on Premium Unleaded 91 Octane. My week of mixed-use driving, and some admitted pedal-mashing, with the 3.4-liter V-6 averaged 21.9mpg.

The V-6 set-up was responsive and confident, resulting in smooth passing at speed, effortless uphill vanquishing and seamless shift points. Steering was a bit light, with some loose cornering at speed and some vague road feel from the MacPherson Strut Front Suspension and multi-link rear.

On the track, my 3.5liter TLX finished off a zero-to-60mph sprint in 6.3 seconds during a 14.7-second quarter-mile.

The 2018 Acura TLX sedan advances Acura's reputation for delivering cutting-edge safety performance with its AcuraWatch suite of technologies. The TLX system expands the scope of the vehicle's road-sensing capabilities, and its fusion of camera and radar technology, along with the next-gen braking system provides enhanced car-to-car and car-to-pedestrian collision mitigation, while enhancing the capabilities of the Adaptive Cruise Control. Crash tests helped TLX earn a perfect five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. It also earned a Good rating in the moderate overlap front, side, and roof strength tests and for its head restraints and seats from the IIHS.

The 2018 Acura TLX starts at $33,000 in Front-Wheel-Drive with the 2.4-liter inline-4 engine. The 3.5-liter V-6 gains you 84hp and 85 lb-ft of torque for $3200 -- included with the V-6 engine upgrade are the dynamic Sequential SportShift paddles, an electronic gear selector, 8-way power front passenger seat with lumbar adjustment and the sporty 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels. Super Handling All-Wheel-Drive™ adds $2000. The Technology Package adds $3700 for rain-sensing windshield wipers, 19-inch Split 5-Spoke Pewter and Machine-finish Wheels, perforated Milano premium leather-trimmed interior, Acura Navigation System with 3-D view, AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic™ with exclusive street and freeway conditions Traffic Rerouting™, Color Multi-Information Display with turn-by-turn guidance, AcuraLink® The Next Generation, ELS Studio® Premium Audio System with 10 speakers, Song By Voice®, HD Radio®, GPS-linked climate control, and such safety additions as Forward Collision Warning System, Lane Keeping Assist System, Blind Spot Information System and Rear Cross Traffic Monitor. Parking Sensors add $634, a Decklid Spoiler adds $397, front and rear splash guards add $108 apiece, Body Side Molding adds $259, Remote Engine Start System III adds $399 and a heated steering wheel adds $500.

With a destination charge of $995, my 2018 TLX as-tested stickered at $45,041.

> Visit www.CarlisleEvents.com for more on the automotive hobby.

Mike Blake, former editor of KIT CAR magazine, joined Carlisle Events as senior automotive journalist in 2004. He's been a "car guy" since the 1960s and has been writing professionally for about 30 years.

Perfect! Corvettes at Carlisle presented by Corvette America was just that in 2018, PERFECT! The weather was perfect, the cars were perfect, the people were perfect and the showcase of America and America’s Sports Car was also simply perfect! Four days of support from Mother Nature and 60,000+ guests from around the world helped make Corvettes at Carlisle one for the record books.

In recent years, the popular Corvette weekend was expanded to four-days and even with Thursday as an official show day, thousands of Corvettes were on-site Wednesday. Their presence set the table perfectly for what would end up being the second biggest Fun Field turnout of all time as part of the 2018 show. This year’s turnout topped all but the 2013 offering, which was the first year of the C7 and was less than 100 Corvettes shy of that year’s record turnout. With 5,000+ Corvettes at Carlisle and sunny skies with low temps, what more could the guests want?

Well, the vendors as part of the swap meet certainly offered attendees something special. Many vendors sold out of their products, while others reported great sales totals. The midway, packed with big named vendors, was bigger than ever and included some first-time vendors who vowed to return in 2019. But what was the draw for everyone this year?

Aside from the weather, THE draw was the Corvette American flag and salute to service on Friday, August 24. In the wake of the continued protests from professional athletes during the national anthem, Corvettes at Carlisle vowed to stand in force, and those at Carlisle did just that. 200+ Corvettes came together to form the flag, with a special salute to service ceremony taking place at the stage too. This service and showcase gained national attention via Fox News and their popular Fox & Friends program. It actually marks the second consecutive year that Corvettes at Carlisle was featured on the show.

In addition to the flag and swap meet, guests enjoyed seminars from Paul Koerner of The Corvette Mechanic Inc., walkarounds from the NCRS as well as Team Chevrolet and enjoyed an all-new autocross competition backed by Lingenfelter Performance. The King of the X event spanned multiple days and culminated in a bracket style race-off on Saturday where one top driver earned $1,000 for his efforts.

Corvettes at Carlisle wrapped on Sunday, August 26 and did so following an amazing Saturday night within the Carlisle community. The annual Corvette Parade and Street Party hosted over 400 Corvettes, offering an amazing sight as they cruised into downtown Carlisle. Spectators had a chance to see these beauties in motion, then walk around and shop, drink, dine and interact with the car owners.

With 2018’s event a wrap, plans are ongoing for 2019. Save the date, because Corvettes at Carlisle is already taking registrations for the four-day happening. Corvettes at Carlisle 2019 takes place August 22-25 at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds and interested parties can register today at www.CarlisleEvents.com.