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2024 Mazda3 Hatchback 2.5T Premium Plus AWD

6-07-24 Featured Vehicle By Rich Taber Putting aside arguments about absolute certainty, I'm nearly 100% certain that if I were in the market for a reasonably affordable, new, compact hatchback with an internal combustion engine, I would be signing on the dotted line for a Mazda3 turbo. I have yet to find a competitor with the above requirements that has matched the satisfaction delivered during my weeklong test drive of the model. It's not a decision complicated by arcane analysis of fractional differences in interior dimensions or obtuse comparisons of the number of speakers the audio system employs. No, it's…

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Ford Bronco Sport Free Wheeling Evokes Colorful Sunset

06-04-24 Tech Talk ~ Recorded Live from KOWS FM 92.5 ~ Tech Talk host Rick DeMeis spent a footloose week bopping around in the Ford Bronco Sport Free Wheeling edition and cheerfully reports back in this week's podcast episode. Talk about attention grabbing... er, the vehicle, not our illustrious host. Seems that a white Bronco Sport emblazoned with alternating red, orange and yellow stripes running across the fenders, doors, hood and seat backs makes it nearly impossible to travel incognito. It was good fun, though. Be sure to listen in to this week's episode for all the delightful details and…

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2024 Hyundai Kona N Line AWD

5-31-24 Featured Vehicle By Rich Taber There are few automakers who seriously embrace change as deliberately as Hyundai, and the redesigned Kona N Line makes this abundantly clear. Just look at the styling. Here at RPM News Weekly, we took the model for a week-long test drive that not only proved this point to us, but also found us filling up at a gasoline pump and wondering whether an all-electric version would be a better choice. No question. We enjoyed the ride in this model. For its $33,695 as-delivered price tag, it's a great value and will compete well in…

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2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness

5-24-24 Featured Vehicle Long before every vehicle in every segment attempted to become an adventurous, off-road-ready SUV, the Subaru Crosstrek had been quietly and confidently filling that role. For 2024, the Crosstrek gets a redesign, and while Subaru added new tech and sharpened the styling, they didn't change the formula too much. And why would they? The Crosstrek was still a strong seller even before the update. As the saying goes, if it ain't broke... don't fix it. The Crosstrek debuted in 2012 as the XV Crosstrek, a slightly lifted spinoff of the Subaru Impreza Hatchback with 8.7 inches of…

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2024 Dodge Hornet GT Plus Blacktop AWD

4-26-24 Featured Vehicle No, it won't leap tall buildings; nor is it fast enough to evade a speeding bullet, but the superpowers that the all-wheel drive 2024 Dodge Hornet GT Plus Blacktop does possess cleverly reveal themselves through its animated performance, dynamic array of safety technology and everyday convenience. We're not talking about unrestrained power. It may be a sibling in the Brotherhood of Muscle, but it's no Charger or Challenger. It doesn't have that kind of standing or vibe. Even so, the 268 horsepower coming from its small 2-liter turbo engine is appropriately applied to make the drive swift…

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Buick Envista Avenir Elicits Rather Nice Refrain

05-07-24 Tech Talk ~ Recorded Live from KOWS FM 92.5 ~ Recalling memories from another era, Tech Talk host Rick DeMeis revisits the classic "Wouldn't you really rather have a Buick" refrain in his report on the 2024 Buick Envista Avenir. It may not look anything like one of its predecessors, but with its smaller turbocharged engine, the Envista certainly gets better fuel economy. Besides, in his weeklong test drive, Rick found the model to provide "a very smooth, competent ride." Listen in for the full report. Want to stay up to date with the every episode? We can deliver…

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