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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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2024 Hyundai Tucson Thrives In Compact Family SUV Sphere

04-30-24 Tech Talk ~ Recorded Live from KOWS FM 92.5 ~ Recognized as one of the Best Compact SUVs for families, the 2024 Hyundai Tucson gets Tech Talk host Rick DeMeis doing double takes with its similarities to the competition. Nevertheless, he concludes that the Tucson is no doppelganger, especially in the all-wheel drive Limited edition he drove around town for a week. Adequately powered, efficient for its class, and loaded with niceties (such as lighted USB ports), this is an SUV determined to make the drive easier. Listen up for the full account in this week's podcast. Want to…

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2024 Ford Maverick XLT FX4

5-03-24 Featured Vehicle By Rich Taber A few weeks ago, we, here at RPM News Weekly, reported on the 2023 Ford Maverick XLT Hybrid. Other than the obvious hybrid distinction, it has a lot in common with the gasoline EcoBoost powered XLT model. Even so, the XLT FX4 variant of this compact pickup offers one particularly significant difference that's not as apparent as the flashy FX4 decals adorning its hind quarters. You'll have to get underneath the truck, or poke your head around the wheel wells to get a glimpse. We're talking about the suspension of course. If you run…

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