For the 15th consecutive year, ALL ABOUT CARS devotes its year-end columns to an overview of the top vehicles we tested and reviewed for the model year. After rating them on such items as: Interior; Safety; Power; Handling/Ride; Economy/Price; Looks; Niche-fitting and a Miscellaneous grouping in which I took into consideration the “feel-good” factor and other subjective intangibles, we have come up with our top 10 vehicles. This week’s column reports on the “Car Buy of the Year”, and next week, we will follow up with our “Car of the Year”, regardless of price.

This week’s “best deals on wheels” for 2019, is all about the best bang for the buck, and that doesn’t always equate with number of sales, as illustrated by the stats that show that this year, the average transaction price of a new vehicle sold in America was about $37,000, and my Top 10 best buys was made of five vehicles under $30,000, three more vehicles in the $30K range but below $37,000, and only two about the average sales price, with one sedan in the $50,000 range. Diversification ruled this year, as we have a wagon, a pick-up, a hatchback, a roadster, two crossovers and four sedans on the list.

To be considered for this list, I must have test-driven the vehicle during calendar 2019, and dollar-for-value, or worth vs. cost carries the most weight, though some abstracts still apply. This year, I test drove 56 vehicles for consideration and examined them for about a week each, using them as daily drivers around town for errands and for maneuvering; on the highway for long trips, for passing, stability and for fun; accelerating them and braking them hard on straight tracks and banked venues, auto-crosses and drag strips, and checking out what passengers and onlookers reported.

Last year, the 2018 Hyundai Kona, Sub-Compact CUV was my best deal, and this year, my best buy was a five-door hatchback that returned from a 5-year hiatus as one of the “Greenest” cars in America.

The winner is:
1. Honda Insight: Former hatchback returns as a compact hybrid sedan -- $26,681. Honda’s Insight returns after a five-year hiatus, evolving from a five-door hatchback into a compact sedan, but with a two-motor hybrid powertrain, featuring a 1.5-liter Atkinson-cycle engine that runs on gasoline, working in tandem with an electric motor and a lithium-ion battery pack. The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy named Insight to its “Greenest Vehicles of 2019” list, and Insight achieved top safety scores from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Its sleek lines, coupe-like profile and wide stance communicate a sophisticated yet elegant design. The efficient engine/motor system puts out 151 horsepower and 197 lb-ft of electric motor torque, and my week of tests achieved an average of 46.0mpg. It is a fun drive with quick response and tight corner handling.

2. Ford Fusion: Driver-assist technology and design tweaks -- $26,100. Its days, numbered, as the mid-size is expected to remain in production only until 2021, Ford revised Fusion for 2019 with new front and rear fascias, new Co-Pilot360™ suite of driver-assist safety technologies, an increase in the “electric-only” range in its Hybrid and tweaked cosmetics. Its 2.0-liter EcoBoost inline-4 delivers 240hp and 270 lbs.-ft. of torque. My test 2.0 automatic averaged 24.5mpg.  

3. Genesis G70: Luxury brand’s new 4-door compact executive performance sedan -- $51,125. The highest-priced vehicle on the list, the Genesis G70 is a 4-door compact executive luxury performance sedan, refined and filled with advanced technology. Its long hood and short overhangs, dynamic roofline, and high beltline characterize a sleek profile. The G70 cabin is well-appointed, and the 3.3-liter twin-turbo V6 produces 365hp/376 lb-ft. I averaged 19.6mpg.

4. Hyundai Veloster: Newly designed hot hatch turbo is asymmetrical and tons of fun -- $26,515. The Hyundai Veloster has been redesigned with improved power, and new styling, merging the design appeal of a sport coupe with the versatility afforded by the additional passenger side rear door, and a driver-focused layout. Performancewise, Veloster is tons of fun. Powered by a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine (201 hp and 195 lb.-ft.) I averaged 29.9mpg, and it was a beast at the track. 

5. Ford Ranger: Midsize pickup is back and it’s tough, sporty and versatile -- $39,430. After an eight-year hiatus, the Ford Ranger is back and touted by Ford as “most fuel-efficient gas-powered midsize pickup in America.” The new Ranger is larger, tech savvy, infotainment rich, upscale and ruggedly sporty, with workhorse attributes. Powered by a 2.3-liter EcoBoost® I-4, the system puts out 270hp and 310 lb-ft. My week of winter-condition testing realized an average of 23.3mpg. 

6. Buick Regal TourX: Luxury wagon with drive dynamics of a car, versatility of an SUV -- $30,614. Buick has added the TourX wagon to the Regal Line … a crossover with the drive dynamics of a car and the versatility of an SUV. It showcases a contemporary design and attainable luxury credentials. TourX power is delivered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged I-4 mated. The 250hp and 295 lb-ft of torque delivered fuel economy of 24.9 mpg. 

7. Volkswagen Jetta 1.4T: Fun to drive, larger and more coupelike -- $28,696. A new generation Jetta has a look that is elegant, yet athletic. Jetta grows outside in every direction and is sculpted and distinctive, with an accommodating and un-compactlike upscale driver-centric interior. The Jetta 1.4T is powered by the base 1.4-liter inline four-cylinder turbocharged/intercooled engine that provides 147hp and 184 lbs.-ft. of torque . My week of tests in the automatic averaged 33.3mpg. 

8. Mazda MX-5 Miata RF: Powerful roadster with a power-folding hardtop -- $34,455. The popular MX-5 roadster/two-seat convertible sports car was designed with emotion and cues borrowed from the Lotus Elan, upscale amenities inside, and a retractable roof that stows away in about 13 seconds. MX-5 power comes from a SKYACTIV 2.0.-liter electronic fuel injection engine that provides 181 hp and 151 lb-ft of torque. Averaging 30.3mpg, MX-5 was a fun drive, balanced on the road.

9. Kia Niro: Sporty and hip hybrid -- $26,880. The Kia Niro is a hybrid SUV whose looks are un-hybriddy and more hatchback-like. Guinness World Records named Niro “lowest fuel consumption by a hybrid vehicle,” after a hypermiling a fuel consumption record of 76.6 mpg. An eye-catching 4-door, Niro’s cabin is trendy and intuitive, filled with high-demand and high-tech interior enhancements. The two-layered powertrain is anchored by the Kappa 1.6-liter GDI four-cylinder engine. I averaged 46.1mpg.

10. Honda CR-V: Sophisticated Compact Crossover -- $30,731. CR-V rolls on with its assertive design cues, premium active safety, passive safety and driver-assistive features, refined demeanor and energetic character in a sporty package. The CR-V LX trim is powered by a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine produces 184 hp and 180 lb-ft. of torque, for an average of 28.8 mpg. Handling was niche-solid and the riding experience was family-oriented – smooth and stable.

Next week, we present our annual CAR of THE YEAR list, and two of this week’s Best Buys make next week’s list as well.

> 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. </I>

Currently the 6th best-selling sedan in America, Nissan’s Altima entered its 26th year with a redesign that Nissan execs say will “re-energize the sedan segment – in terms of design, driving feel and in making advanced technologies available and affordable for everyone." 

Launched in 1993 as a compact, Altima evolved into a mid-size that steadily gained in stature in handling, fuel economy and style. That translated into solid sales of more than 5.6 million vehicles, and a following that Nissan hopes to excite with 2019’s alterations. Altima completed its last full redesign in 2013, and the all-new Altima brings expressive styling, an uplifting interior, two new powerplants -- including the company’s world-first variable compression turbo engine. Among new features are Nissan’s first available Intelligent All-Wheel Drive in a U.S. sedan, and advanced Nissan Intelligent Mobility system, including ProPILOT Assist and Rear Automatic Braking, which helps the driver detect stationary objects when backing up, and if necessary, applies the brakes to help avoid a collision. 

Additionally, the 2019 Altima is available with all-wheel drive for the first time, and even base trims now come standard with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth support for its 8-inch infotainment system. The driver gets an eight-way power adjustable seat. 

The new design is lower, longer and wider, with the hood and cowl pushed downward for a more athletic stance. Adding larger available 19-inch wheels and tires helps deliver a more linear, tailored feel that is emphasized by the sharp horizontal lines and signature Nissan design cues such as the V-motion grille and streamlined boomerang lights. Available exterior elements include the grille with dark chrome finish, LED projector headlights with signature Daytime Running Lights, LED fog lights, floating roof with slim pillars and single panel moonroof.

Compared with the previous generation, the new Altima is 1.1 inches lower in height, at 56.9 inches; 1.0 inches longer, at 192.9 inches; and 0.9 inches wider, at 72.9 inches – while also featuring a smaller front overhang thanks a 1.9-inch longer wheelbase (111.2 inches) and rear wheels pushed farther to the corners. The result is a dramatically sleeker yet more sophisticated look. The coefficient of drag is just 0.26, and my test Altima weighed in with a curb weight of 3462 lbs., a pound less than my text Altima last year.

From a power perspective, Nissan updates its 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder to produce 188 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque, up 9 hp and 3 lb-ft from the previous generation. The 2.5 is EPA rated at 27mph/city, 37mpg/highway and 31mpg/overall for FWD and 25/35/29 for AWD. Replacing the previous-generation Altima's 3.5-liter V6 engine is the world's first production-ready variable compression turbo inline 4-cylinder – which generates the performance of some V6 gasoline engines but with 4-cylinder level fuel economy. The 2.0-liter turbo is an inline 4-cylinder plant that delivers 248hp and 280 lb-ft off torque and is EPA rated at 25/34/29, and my test turbo averaged 30.2 mpg in mixed-use driving and some long interstate runs.

Last year, my 3.5-liter-powered Altima accelerated well in all ranges, and a track run from zero-to-60mph was completed in an energetic 6.1 seconds during a 14.6-second quarter-mile. This year, my turbo-powered ride was nearly identical at 6.0 and 14.6 (hand-timed).

Steering showed some understeer that was fun on the autocross, and the independent strut front suspension with coil springs and stabilizer bar and a multi-link independent rear suspension with stabilizer bar were smooth on the road.

Altima’s cabin is refined, luxurious, tech-filled, quiet and comfortable, but it has lost some size comfort, with 39.2 inches of front headroom (down 0.8 inches) and 38.0 inches ion row two (down 0.9). Front legroom is 1.2 inches tighter at 43.8 inches, and a snug 35.2 inches in the second row (down 1.1 inches); with surprisingly wider shoulder room of 58.2 in front (up 1.8 inches) and 57.1 inches in row two (wider by 0.7 inches).

Altima’s range of safety and convenience features includes standard Automatic Emergency Braking, Intelligent Forward Collision Warning and Intelligent Driver Alertness on all grades. Intelligent Around View Monitor is standard on the Altima Platinum. The addition of Rear Automatic Braking creates Safety Shield 360, which provides front, side and rear safety monitoring and intervention technologies, under the umbrella of the Nissan Intelligent Mobility strategy.

The base 2019 Nissan Altima 2.5 S starts at $24,000 and 10 variations run up to $33,380 for the 2.5 Platinum. The more powerful Altima SR VC-Turbo bases at $29,400 and moves up to $35,750 for the Edition ONE VC-Turbo. I tested that one with a rear spoiler, 19-inch dark gray aluminum alloy wheels, external ground lighting, Nissan Concierge™ Service and Edition ONE floormats. Pearl White exterior paint added $395 and was matched to a Charcoal leather interior. This version comes loaded, so there were no packages available, but accessory add-ons included four splash guards for $205, Chrome body-side moldings for $265, Chrome rear bumper protector for $165, Interior accent lighting for $455, and a safety impact sensor for $210. Destination and handling added $895 for an MSRP as tested of $37,720, but late-season incentives may be available from your local dealer.

> 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. </I>

Carlisle Events is family run and has been since 1974.  Not only is Carlisle Events run by two families who happen to share the same last name (Miller), those families also believe that every person who comes through the gate should get the family treatment too.  That mentality also carries over to its staff, with instances of employee’s kids hanging out at the office during work days, couples working together and of course supporting each other in times of need.  It’s the latter of the aforementioned items that has Carlisle Events offering its endorsement to a local business as it takes in food donations in honor of one of its late employees.

Diane Pike passed away in 2018 and she wasn’t just an integral part of Intelliprint Solutions of Harrisburg, she was the mother of Jodi Morrison, a Carlisle Events staff member.  Jodi and her mom had a great relationship and her sudden passing around Mothers Day in ’18 was tough, both for their family and the team at Intelliprint Solutions. 

Now, more than a year after Diane’s passing, her staff is hosting the food drive in her honor.  They, along with Carlisle Events, encourage donations during this season of giving.  Items may be donated in person through December 20 at Intelliprint Solutions, located at 3930 Chambers Hill Rd. in Harrisburg or a monetary donation can be made via text to 44321 with the message Intellishare. 

Tangible donations should be non-perishable items that come in boxes, cans or plastic bottles.  Priority items for this year’s food drive include peanut butter, canned tuna, stew/chili, shelf-stable milk, nuts, trail mix or granola bars, pasta sauce, canned veggies, unsweetened applesauce, canned fruit and Similac advance/stage 3 baby food. 

“I can’t really explain how much it means to me that the people my mom worked with are still remembering her after 18 months,” said Jodi who serves as Assistant to the Owners of Carlisle Events.  “It is truly a testament of the kind and gracious woman that she was.  I miss her every single day!”

Learn more about Project Share and all that they do online now at www.projectsharepa.org and please take time to donate today. 

Florida in February, that sounds like a dream come true, right?  For snowbirds and car lovers alike, this dream is reality as Carlisle Events presents Winter AutoFest Lakeland, February 21-23, 2020.  The three-day affair takes place at the spacious and state-of-the-art SUN ‘n FUN Expo Campus in Lakeland and offers a little something for everyone who attends.  We’re talking special displays, guests, food and those “wow” moments with friends and family that can’t easily be duplicated!

When the gates open for the first time at 8 a.m. on February 21, those who are part of the show or who pay the $10 spectator admission (kids 12 and under are free) will step into an automotive lover’s paradise.  Vendors, as part of the automotive flea market, lace the grounds from fence line to fence line, offering an eclectic mix of collectibles, merchandise, home goods, automobilia and of course the much-needed automotive pieces and parts for a DIY restoration project.

From parts shopping to cars for sale, Winter AutoFest has that too…lots of that!  Carlisle Auctions presents a two-day collector car auction (February 21-22) featuring 400+ consignments spanning automotive history.  The auction starts at 10:30 a.m. each day and at 1:30 p.m. on February 22, will feature an all-Corvette themed hour.  In addition, there is a car corral with cars and trucks for sale by owner.  Each avenue affords the buyer a chance to start a collection or add to an existing one, all at an affordable price point. 

Items and cars for sale aren’t the only draw for Winter AutoFest Lakeland, as a septet (that’s 7) of car themed showcases offer a chance for owners to show and showgoers to gaze on in amazement.  Returning features include the 42^nd annual NCRS Winter Regional Corvette Meet, the FREE cruise-in as well as the Corvette and Mustang displays.  Each are expected to be bigger and better than ever.  The Corvette and Ford displays also host vendors specific to the brands and offer photo ops with an airplane, while the Corvette showcase welcomes GM Certified Technician Paul Koerner.  Koerner will host seminars and offer one on one diagnostic sessions.

What’s new in the car world is that Winter AutoFest now welcomes the Mopar brand to Lakeland.  This display hosts Dodge, Plymouth and Chryslers just to name a few.  If the Carlisle Chrysler Nationals in Pennsylvania each July is any indication as to what type of turnout this display will see, it’ll be a can’t miss, that’s for sure.  Along with the Mopars on display, Lou Santiago will be on hand too.  Lou is a car show TV staple on programs like Car Fix on MotorTrend and he too will host seminars and meet with fans.

Another car showcase comes in the form of TWO Featured Vehicle Displays.  One display includes race prepared vehicles.  Regardless of brand, if it’s a race prepared car, truck or motorcycle, it’s welcome for this display.  The other is a 50-year gathering of 1970 cars/trucks.  Each display; however, is vetted and those interested must apply at www.CarlisleFeatures.com.  The final “new” aspect ties back to the existing free cruise-in.  All-new in 2020, registered cruise-in participants receive a discounted offer to buy the event shirt so they can proudly represent the coolest event in central Florida anytime they want! 

Finally, Winter AutoFest is pleased to host the Air & Coach Concours.  This gathering of luxury motor coaches and their passionate owners will find itself positioned near the camping area on northwest side of the facility.

Register today and learn about this amazing all-star event at www.CarlisleEvents.com or by calling 717-243-7855.

The Kia Sorento is a mid-sized, five-door CUV that is into the fourth year of its third generation and is available as either a 5-seater or 7-seater, depending on configuration. 

 

Following a 2018 mid-year facelift that saw revised front grille, headlamps, taillamps and signals that continue the design cues shown on its sister Kia Forte and Kia Cadenza models, the 2019 version tweaks-up with new front and rear fascias and new cabin technology, including available Driver Attention Warning

 

Available in eight trim levels, the 2019 Sorento modifies its power, exterior and interior for the model year. One power-mod is the eliminating of its formerly optional 2.0-liter 4-cylinder turbo (240 horsepower, 260 lb-ft of torque), which was discontinued due to low consumer demand. That leaves Sorento with two power choices: the base 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine and the 3.3-liter V6.

 

Outside, the 2019 Kia Sorento features the new front and rear, plus updated headlight and taillight designs. Top trims use full LED headlights, and most trims use LED rear lighting. Sorento's distinctive “ice cube” fog lights are updated with LEDs on the SX Limited trim.

 

Inside, you now get a four-spoke steering wheel, a new shifter head, new instrument cluster graphics, new colors and connectivity improvements. For 2019, every Sorento comes with a touchscreen -- 7 inches as standard, with an optional 8-in unit that includes integrated navigation. Wireless charging is a new feature that has been added to top trims, and, new for 2019, the Kia Sorento comes standard with three rows and 7-passenger seating. The 2018 came standard with only two rows, with a third being optional on the LX trim level and standard on all those with the V6 engine.

 

Safety upgrades for 2019 include lane-keep assist and a driver inattention and fatigue monitor added to the top trims.

 

All Sorento trim levels are loaded, and my test vehicle, the top-of-the-line SX Limited (often called the SXL) added to the basics with such style and substance items as a Black Metallic Nappa Leather interior, Panoramic sunroof with power sunshade, Chrome 19-inch Alloy Wheels with Michelin Tires, LED Front Fog Lights, LED Headlights, Low Beam Assist, Chrome Lower Door Molding, Power-Folding Outside Mirrors, Automatic Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers, Smart Power Liftgate, High Beam Assist, Reverse Tilt-Down Outside Mirrors, Heated 2nd-Row Seats, Stainless-Steel Pedals, Surround View Monitor, Blind spot collision warning, Forward Collision Avoidance and Surround View Monitor.

 

The 5-door Sorento is considered a large, “mid-size” SUV with Steel Unibody (Iso-Structure) Construction, weighing in anywhere from 3968 pounds to 4350 pounds, depending on trim and configuration. Displaying a muscular, rugged and confident stance, with a raked windshield, rounded angles, and a long hood to deliver a more aerodynamic and sleek appearance, Sorento’s dimensions are189.0 inches in length, 74.4 inches in width and 66.5 inches in height on a 109.4-inch wheelbase.  

 

Offered in both FWD and AWD configurations, Sorento provides two engine choices: a 2.4-liter inline-4 GDI, and a 3.3-liter V-6 GDI that powered up my test Sorento SXL. The 2.4-liter engine delivers 185 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque; and the 3.3 V-6 gallops out 290 horses and 252 lbs-ft. of torque and can tow up to 5,000 lbs when equipped with AWD.  My test Sorento SXL with the 3.3-liter was EPA rated at 19/city, 24/highway and 21/overall in AWD, and my tests showed 27mpg on the interstate and an average of 22.2 overall in mixed-use driving.

 

Sorento’s engine response was slower than expected, but steady, and passing power is reliable. On the track, my ride finished off a zero-to-60mph sprint in 7.7 seconds, and covered a quarter-mile in 15.8.

 

The ride is quiet and road roughness is evened out nimbly. Sorento is smooth on the highway thanks to an independent front suspension with MacPherson struts, coil springs, stabilizer bar, dual flow dampers shocks that work well with the independent, multi-link rear with stabilizer bar and DFD shocks. The Rack-Mounted-Motor Driven Power Steering reacts appropriately in quick maneuvering with only slight understeer, and top-wobble has been lessened due to the long, wide stance and short height.  Lesser trim levels get Column-Mounted Motor Driven Power Steering.

 

The well-appointed cabin room measures legroom of 44.1 inches in front, 39.4 inches in the middle and a child-roomy 31.7 inches in the rear. Headroom is tight in all sections: 39.5 inches up front, 39.3 in the middle and 36.3 in the rear. Shoulder room is comfortable at 59.1, 58.0, and 52.8 for children in the rear. Cargo room volume behind the first row is 73.0 cu.ft.; behind row two is 38.8 cu.ft., and you still get 11.3 behind the third row.

 

The 2019 Kia Sorento offers eight trims. The base L trim has a starting price of $26,290 for the 2.4-liter manual in FWD. The first trim with the 3.3-liter V-6 is the Sorento S V6 that starts at $31,290 (FWD), and I tested the top-level SX Limited trim, basing at $46,490. In all-wheel-drive (normally an extra $1800 for lesser trim levels), we added remote start for $425, Mud Guards for $95 and Side step bars for $495. Destination charges of $1045 were added for a price-as-tested of $48,945.

 

> 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. </I>