I found the FIAT 500 in the Microsoft booth at 2010 CES next to a hulking Ford F350 DEWALT edition (more next time) it held it’s own with clever lines and cool technology. It’s this combination and fuel economy that will win over the skeptics (me) if it delivers. For now I was awed my the TECHNOLOGY of the BLUEandME® which offers an awesome stereo sound system and the newest wave in manufacturer integrated driving systems.
While the FORD SYNC is a long way ahead of everyone in the SAFe Driver campaigns to keep your hands ON the wheel , i.e. voice activation (more to come in next post).
ECO:DRIVE is unique because it goes beyond the available FUEL ECONOMY trackers in today’s iPhone apps. This system plugs and plays, stores the data and analyzes your carbon footprint. I’m hoping they will add the SPEECH RECOGNITION software for email and text to the package by the time the car arrives next year.
I have to say, the car felt heavier and more solid (when you slam the door) than the SMART car, however, my judgment will remain open until I get one to test drive in the 110 heat of Las Vegas. Then I’ll do the obvious 4 way comparison of the FIAT 500, MINI COOPER,VW BEETLE and SMART PASSION. (shown here)
Until then, enjoy this snap shot of ECODRIVE and check out the software at www.fiat.com/ecodrive.
Sarah Lee is an automotive executive with 20+ years of experience. She writes about Cars, and is a staunch consumer advocate on car related subjects. Her company: MY CARLADY is a car buyer’s service committed to getting you the best deal on your next new or pre-owned vehicle. You can reach her at www.mycarlady.com
Top learn more about getting your best car deal click here: CAR DEALS
NEW CAR manufacturers are anxious to have recent college graduates (first time car buyers) seen driving their brands. To motivate the consumer they offer rebates and financing opportunities on specific models. The recent college graduate must show proof of a job making a min. of $1800.00 per month and their rent cannot exceed 30% of that gross income. The graduate can expect to be limited to the most basic, least expensive models int he product line unless he/she has a substantial down payment or co-signer for any vehicle over 15K*. A down payment to cover taxes and fees is usually required, and the credit must be spot-less. Any negative accounts can make the deal null and void.
HERE are the latest vehicles available for a RECENT COLLEGE (or PROFESSIONAL or TRADE SCHOOL ) GRADUATE satisfying the various requirements. For specific details contact your local dealer, the factory website or MYCARLADY.com Remember, taking advantage of these offers does not minimize your ability to negotiate or get a discount off the list price of most of these cars.
Acura: 2009-2010 models Graduate Program special APR only. Must have graduated in the past 2 years or will in the next 4 months with a Masters, Bachelors, or Associates degree from an accredited college or nursing program. Available on all new or certified pre-owned models. See my test drive review of the Acura TSXvs. the Audi A4 here.
Suzuki $500 2009 and 2010Suzuki SX4 Must finance through American Suzuki Financial
Be graduating within 6 months or have graduated within the last 12 months from an accredited 2- or 4-year college, graduate school (including Doctorate), nursing school or trade school.
Nissan $500 2009 and 2010 Nissan Altima Nissan Rogue* Nissan Sentra Nissan Versa Nissan Xterra* Students graduating within 6 months or up to 24 months after graduation.
Hyundai Genesis
Hyundai $400 2009 and 2010 Hyundai Accent Hyundai Elantra Hyundai Genesis* Hyundai Sonata Students graduating within 6 months or up to 24 months after graduation.
For more RECENT COLLEGE GRADUATE NEW CAR REBATES on the specific MAKE and MODEL of your choice, click here:COLLEGE
Sarah Lee is an automotive executive with 20+ years of experience. She writes about Cars, and is a staunch consumer advocate on car related subjects. Her company: MY CARLADY is a car buyer’s service committed to getting you the best deal on your next new or pre-owned vehicle. You can reach her at www.mycarlady.com
Top learn more about getting your best car deal click here: CAR DEALS
The 2010 Kia Forte has its high-beams on the Ford Focus, Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, Mazda 3 and Nissan Sentra.
All these sedans offer reasonable size, adequate horsepower, okay fuel economy and decent warranties… for around $18k. HOWEVER, when compared to the new FORTE, LOOK OUT. Stylish exterior, 20% roomier inside, comfortable headroom, comparable horsepower and fuel economy but add the 5yr./60k standard and 10yr./100k power-train warranty and the 0% financing or killer lease options and the needle clearly moves to the 2010 KIA FORTE. The Forte KOUP is the sexy, smart two-door version destined to blow by the Eclipse, TC and Civic.
2010 Kia Forte Koup
The biggest problem with the KIA FORTE is the LACK OF INVENTORY. Consider the severely discounted dollar and it’s no wonder KIA corporate is watching the importation of their latest winner. Like the KIA SOUL, the arrival for a hot car couldn’t come at a worse time, as the dealer invoice costs the manufacturers’ American division more per car than the U.S. built competition. (KIA is building a US plant in Atlanta to remedy the situation.) The dollar disparity isn’t passed on to the American consumer, and it is surprising that they continue to offer the 0% interest and low incentive lease rates, but muscling the domestic and low-end import market-share is something KIA and HYUNDAI (it’s big brother) have been doing successfully for several years.
If you haven’t checked one out, take a FORTE for a test-drive before you dismiss it, you might be sorry if you skip it.
And visit here tomorrow for the Sarah Lee, MYCARLADY KIA FORTE TEST DRIVE REVIEW.
Thinking KIA SOUL? CLICK for the MYCARLADY KIA SOUL TEST DRIVE REVIEW YouTube video.
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Sarah Lee is an automotive executive with 20+ years of experience. She writes about Cars, and is a staunch consumer advocate on car related subjects. Her company: MY CARLADY is a car buyer’s service committed to getting you the best deal on your next new or pre-owned vehicle. You can reach her at www.mycarlady.com
Top learn more about getting your best car deal click here: CAR DEALS
NEED AUTO FINANCE HELP or CREDIT report repair go to tell them MY CARLADY: Sarah Lee sent you. It’s a free consult and they do the right thing by you, fast, easy, cheap.
MINI COOPER,VW BEETLE and SMART PASSION. (shown here) 
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